BX  7607  .PA  AA  1884 
Society  of  Friends. 

Philadelphia  Yearly  Meeting 
Rules  of  discipline  of  the 

Yearlv  Meetias  of  Friends 


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the  Internet  Archive 

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RULES  OF  DISCI>1iIN&.i^ 

OF  THE 

Yearly  Meeting  of  Friends, 

FOB 


PENNSYLVANIA,  NEW  JERSEY,  DELAWARE,  AND 
THE  EASTERN  PARTS  OF  MARYLAND. 

/ 


PHILADELPHIA: 

FOR  SALE  AT  FRIENDS'  BOOK  STORE, 
No.  304  Arch  Street. 
1884. 


Enter-Kl  according  to  Act  of  Congreas,  in  the  year  1834,  by  Joseph  Rakestraw, 
on  behalf  of  the  Yearly  Meeting  of  Friends  of  Philadelphia,  Ac,  in  the  Clerk's 
OCce  of  the  District  Court  of  the  Eastern  District  of  Pennsylvania. 


/.  FAOAIT  *  SON,  8T£R£0ITP£RS,  PHILADA. 


INTKODUCTION. 


A  S  it  hath  pleased  the  Lord  in  these  latter  days, 

by  his  spirit  and  power,  to  gather  a  people  to 
himself;  and,  releasing  them  from  the  impositions 
and  teachings  of  men,  to  inspire  them  with  degrees 
of  the  same  universal  love  and  good-will  by  which 
the  dispensation  of  the  gospel  was  ushered  in  — 
these  have  been  engaged  to  meet  together  for  the 
worship  of  God  in  Spirit,  according  to  the  direc- 
tion of  the  holy  Lawgiver ;  as  also  for  the  exercise 
of  a  tender  care  over  each  other,  that  all  may  be 
preserved  in  unity  of  faith  and  practice,  answerable 
to  the  description  which  He  the  ever-blessed  Shep- 
herd gave  of  his  flock:  "By  this  shall  all  men 
know  that  ye  are  my  disciples,  if  ye  have  love  one 
to  another."    John  xiii.  35. 

For  this  important  end,  and  as  an  exterior  hedge 
of  preservation  to  us,  against  the  many  temptations 


vi 


INTRODUCTION. 


and  dangers,  to  whicli  onr  situation  in  this  world 

exposes  us,  rules  for  tlie  government  of  the  Society 
have  been  made  and  approved  from  time  to  time, 
and  the  following  now  form  our  code  of  discipline. 
In  the  exercise  whereof  it  is  to  be  observed,  that, 
if  any  member  be  found  in  a  conduct  subversive  of 
its  order,  or  repugnant  to  the  religious  principles 
and  testimonies  which  we  believe  we  are  entrusted 
with,  for  the  promotion  of  truth  and  righteousness 
in  the  earth,  it  becomes  ouir  indispensable  duty  to 
treat  with  such,  in  meekness  and  brotherly  com- 
passion, without  unnecessary  delay  or  improper 
exposure ;  according  to  the  direction  of  our  Lord 
to  his  church :  "If  thy  brother  shall  trespass 
against  thee,  go  and  tell  him  his  fault,  between  thee 
and  him  alone :  if  he  shall  hear  thee,  thou  hast 
gained  thy  brother.  But  if  he  will  not  hear  thee, 
then  take  with  thee  one  or  two  more,  that  in  the 
mouth  of  two  or  three  witnesses,  every  word  may 
be  established.  And  if  he  shall  neglect  to  hear 
them,  tell  it  unto  the  church  ;  but  if  he  neglect  to 
hear  the  church,  let  him  be  unto  thee  as  an  heathen- 
man  and  a  publican."  Matt,  xviii.  15-17. 

This  is  the  extent  of  the  Society's  censure  against 
irreclaimable  offenders,  they  are  disowned  as  mem- 
bers of  our  religious  community  ;  which  is  recom- 


INTRODUCTION. 


vil 


meuded  to  be  done  in  such  a  disposition  of  mind, 
as  may  convince  them,  that  we  sincerely  desire 
their  recovery  and  restoration,  considering  our- 
selves, lest  we  also  be  tempted.    Gal.  vi.  1. 

For  the  more  regular  and  effectual  support  of 
this  order  of  the  Society,  beside  the  usual  meetings 
for  the  purpose  of  Divine  worship,  others  are  insti- 
tuted ;  such  as.  Firsts  Preparative  meetings,  which 
are  subordinate  to  the  Monthly,  and  commonly  con- 
sist of  the  members  of  a  meeting  for  worship  :  Sec- 
ond^ Monthly  meetings,  each  of  which  commonly 
consists  of  several  Preparative  meetings,  all  subor- 
dinate to  the  Quarterly  Meeting :  Third^  Quarterly 
meetino-s,  each  of  which  consists  of  several  of  the 
Monthly  meetings ;  it  and  its  branches  being  under 
the  direction  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  which  embrac- 
ing the  whole,  its  decisions  are  obligatory  upon  all. 

These  meetings  have  all  distinct  allotments  of 

service ;  and  as  experience  shows,  that  when  this 

service  is  attended  to  in  uprightness  and  dedication 

of  heart,  with  a  single  eye  to  the  honour  of  our 

Holy  Head,  and  the  help  and  edification  of  one 

another,  in  the  love  wherewith  He  has  loved  us, 

our  assemblies  are  often  favored  with  his  aid  and 

direction ;  Friends  are  affectionately  desired  and 

exhorted,  to  be  diligent  in  the  attendance  of  them ; 
1* 


viii 


ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 


and  when  met,  humbly  seek  to  be  clothed  with  the 
spirit  of  wisdom  and  chanty  :  this  will  divest  the 
mind  of  a  dependance  on  our  own  strength  and 
abilities,  endue  us  with  patience  and  condescension 
toward  each  other ;  and  being  preserved  in  fellow- 
ship agreeably  to  our  Lord's  declaration,  "  One  is 
your  master,  even  Christ,  and  all  ye  are  brethren," 
a  qualification  will  be  experienced  in  our  several 
stations  and  movements,  to  build  up  one  another 
in  that  faith,  which  works  by  love  to  the  purify, 
ing  of  the  heart. 

So  may  we  be  living  members  of  the  Church- 
militant  on  earth ;  and  inhabitants  of  that  city 
which  hath  foundations,  whose  maker  and  builder 
the  Lord  is ;  knowing  indeed  with  exceeding  joy 
that  great  is  He  the  Holy  One  of  Israel  in  the 
midst  of  her. 


RULES  OF  DISCIPLINE. 


ACEIN^OWLEDGMEXTS. 

IT  is  the  sense  of  this  meeting,  that  offenders 
inclining  to  make  acknowledgment  of  their 
offences,  do  prepare  the  same  in  writing,  and  if,  on 
consulting  the  overseers  or  other  judicious  Friends, 
the  purport  appears  suitable  to  the  occasion,  and 
the  situation  of  the  party  will  admit  of  it,  he  or 
she  may  present  it  to  the  meeting  in  person,  and 
stay  till  it  is  read ;  when,  after  time  given  for  a 
solid  pause,  the  applicant  should  withdraw  before 
that  or  any  other  business  is  proceeded  upon.  The 
meeting  is  then  to  consider  the  case,  and  when  a 
conclusion  is  come  to,  appoint  two  or  more  Friends 
to  inform  the  party  thereof.  — 1743,  1806. 

When  a  disowned  person  removes  out  of  the 
verge  of  the  meeting  which  disowned  him  or  her, 
and  applies  thereto  for  reinstatement,  acknowledg- 
ing his  or  her  error,  and  if  by  reason  of  the  dis- 

9 


10 


APPEALS. 


tance  the  applicant  cannot  be  conveniently  treated 
with  in  person,  the  said  meeting  may  correspond 
with  the  Monthly  Meeting  within  the  compass  of 
which  he  or  she  resides,  and  inquire  into  his  or  her 
fitness  for  membership;  and  if  satisfaction  on  that 
head  is  received,  a  certificate  for  such  person, 
directed  to  the  said  Monthly  Meeting,  may  be 
forthwith  sent,  acknowledging  him  or  her  as  a 
member  of  our  society.  — 1806. 

As  it  may  not  always  be  necessary  that  papers 
of  acknowledgment  should  contain  a  recital  of  the 
occasion  of  disownment  as  specified  in  the  testimo- 
nies of  denial,  it  is  agreed  that  Monthly  Meetings 
be  left  to  their  discretion  in  this  respect ;  and  that 
neither  testimonies  of  denial  nor  acknowledgments 
be  read  at  the  close  of  our  public  meetings  for  wor- 
ship.—1806. 


APPEALS. 

IF  any  persons  think  themselves  aggrieved  by 
the  judgment  of  a  Monthly  Meeting  in  his  or 
her  case,  and  a  copy  of  the  minute  or  testimony 
of  such  judgment  having  been  delivered  to  them, 
which  is  always  to  be  as  soon  after  its  issue  as 
may  be  convenient,  they  may  then  notify  the  first 


APPEALS. 


n 


or  second  Monthly  Meeting  immediately  succeed- 
ing, but  no  other,  of  their  intention  of  appealing 
to  the  ensuing  Quarterly  Meeting :  which  notifica- 
tion, the  Monthly  Meeting  should  enter  on  its  min- 
utes, and  appoint  four  or  more  Friends  to  attend 
the  Quarterly  Meeting  with  that,  and  copies  of  the 
minutes  of  the  Monthly  Meeting  relative  to  the 
case,  signed  by  the  clerk,  or  if  the  appellant  is  a 
female,  by  the  clerks  of  both  meetings ;  which 
notification  of  the  appeal,  and  the  minute  appoint- 
ing the  committee  (or  respondents)  is,  after  the 
representatives  have  been  called,  then  to  be  read. 
Whereupon  the  Quarterly  Meeting  is  to  appoint  a 
solid,  judicious  committee,  consisting  of  not  less 
than  eight,  nor  more  than  twelve  Friends,  who 
are  to  be  taken  either  equally  out  of  the  Monthly 
Meetings,  or  in  such  proportion  as  the  Quarterly 
Meeting  may  deem  most  equitable,  but  none  out 
of  the  Monthly  Meeting  from  whom  the  appeal 
comes.  Xo  member  of  a  Monthly  Meeting  ap- 
pealed against,  nor  any  appellant  is  to  be  at  liberty 
to  take  any  part  in  nominating  the  committee  of 
the  Quarterly  Meeting.  After  the  nomination  has 
taken  place,  the  names  of  the  proposed  committee 
shall  be  read  in  the  presence  of  the  appellant,  and 
the  respondents  appointed  on  behalf  of  the  Monthly 
Meeting,  and  each  party  shall  be  allowed  to  object 
to  any  of  the  committee,  not  exceeding  three  re- 
spectively. The  places  of  the  Friends  who  hava 
been  thus  objected  to,  shall  be  supplied  by  a  fresh 


12 


APPEALS. 


nomination ;  whicli  nomination  shall  be  final.  A 
time  and  place  for  their  meeting  shall  now  be  fixed, 
of  which  due  notice  being  given  to  the  parties  con- 
cerned, the  appellant  is  to  withdraw  from  the  meet- 
ing. The  committee  when  met,  shall  proceed  upon 
the  business  referred  to  them,  and  the  appellant 
shall  be  heard  in  support  of  the  grounds  of  his  or 
her  dissatisfaction,  and  afterwards  the  respondents 
in  reply,  showing  the  reasons  whereon  the  judg- 
ment of  the  Monthly  Meeting  was  founded,  until 
both  parties  have  been  fully  and  fairly  heard :  all 
this  in  the  presence  of  each  other.  If  either  of  the 
parties  concerned  in  an  appeal,  when  stating  or  re- 
plying to  the  case,  shall  digress  into  irrelevant  mat- 
ter, the  committee  should  stop  such  proceeding, 
and  require  that  the  subject  of  the  appeal  be  stead- 
ily kept  to:  and  no  member  of  a  committee  by 
which  any  appeal  is  heard,  is  to  express  in  the 
presence  of  the  parties,  or  either  of  them,  any 
opinion  on  the  subject  or  subjects  at  issue.  The 
parties,  after  having  been  fully  heard,  shall  with- 
draw, previously  to  the  committee  entering  upon 
the  consideration  of  the  case.  The  committee 
then,  carefully  deliberating  upon  the  business  re- 
ferred to  them,  are  to  confirm  or  reverse  the  judg- 
ment of  the  Monthly  Meetings,  as  on  an  impartial, 
just  sense  shall  appear  to  be  right ;  and  when  they 
have  agreed  in  a  judgment  on  the  case,  a  report  in 
writing  shall  be  prepared  and  signed  as  the  report 
of  the  committee,  by  all  those  so  uniting  in  judg- 
ment. 


APPEALS. 


18 


It  is  recommended  that  the  purport  of  the  writ- 
ten report  of  the  committee,  he  simply  the  confirm- 
ing or  annulling  of  the  decision  of  the  Monthly 
Meeting ;  and  the  judgment  expressed  in  such  re- 
port being  adopted  by  the  Quarterly  Meeting,  a 
few  Friends  should  be  appointed  to  give  early  infor- 
mation thereof  to  the  parties. 

As  it  is  possible  there  may  be  some  who  may 
make  an  appeal  against  the  judgment  of  a  Monthly 
Meeting  without  any  just  cause  ;  if  on  an  impartial 
investigation  of  the  case,  it  shall  be  manifest  to  the 
committee  of  the  Quarterly  Meeting,  that  the  ap- 
pellant has  really  been  guilty  of  a  breach  of  our 
discipline,  for  which  he  or  she  has  been  regularly 
treated  with  and  disowned,  the  said  committee  shall 
confirm  the  judgment  of  the  Monthly  Meeting. 

If  an  appellant  shall  believe  that  he  or  she  is  ag- 
grieved by  the  judgment  of  a  Quarterly  Meeting  in 
his  or  her  case,  he  or  she  may  appeal  from  such 
judgment  to  the  Yearly  Meeting ;  in  which  case 
they  shall  give  notice  to  the  next  Quarterly  Meet- 
ing immediately  succeeding,  but  no  other,  of  their 
intention  to  apply  to  the  ensuing  Yearly  Meeting 
for  a  further  hearing ;  the  said  Quarterly  Meeting, 
after  recording  such  notification,  is  to  appoint  at 
least  three  Friends  to  attend  the  Yearly  Meeting 
with  copies  of  the  records  of  both  the  Monthly  and 
Quarterly  Meetings  in  the  case,  signed  by  their 
clerks,  and  to  act  on  behalf  thereof.  The  Yearly 
Meeting  having  received  notice  of  the  appeal  in 


14 


APPEALS. 


the  reports  of  the  Quarterly  Meeting,  is,  upon  such 
day  as  it  shall  judge  suitable,  then  to  take  up  the 
subject,  whereof  the  appellant  and  the  committee 
or  respondents  of  the  Quarterly  Meeting,  are  to 
have  due  notice  to  attend  accordingly. 

The  minutes  of  the  Quarterly  Meeting  concerning 
the  appeal,  being  read  in  the  presence  of  both  par- 
ties, the  meeting  is  to  appoint  a  committee  of  two 
Friends,  taken  out  of  each  of  the  Quarters,  (except 
the  one  from  which  the  appeal  is  brought,)  to  hear 
and  judge  of  the  said  appeal.  'No  member  of  a 
Quarterly  Meeting  appealed  against,  nor  any  appel- 
lant, is  to  take  any  part  in  nominating  the  com- 
mittee of  the  Yearly  Meeting.  After  the  nomina- 
tion has  been  made,  the  names  of  the  proposed 
committee  shall  be  read  in  the  presence  of  the 
appellant  and  respondents,  and  each  party  shall  be 
allowed  to  object  to  any  of  the  committee,  not  ex- 
ceeding four  respectively  ;  the  places  of  those  thus 
objected  to  shall  be  supplied  by  a  fresh  nomination, 
which  nomination  shall  be  final.  A  time  and  place 
shall  now  be  fixed  for  their  meeting  while  the  par- 
ties are  present,  after  which  the  appellant  is  to 
withdraw  from  the  meeting. 

The  committee  and  the  parties  being  met,  the 
appellant  shall  be  heard  in  support  of  his  or  her 
objections,  and  afterwards  the  respondents  in  re- 
ply, in  the  presence  of  each  other,  until  both  par- 
ties have  been  fully  and  fairly  heard.  If  either 
of  the  parties  concerned  in  an  appeal,  when  stating 


APPEALS. 


15 


or  replying  to  the  case,  shall  digress  into  irrelevant 
matter,  the  committee  should  stop  such  proceeding, 
and  require  that  the  subject  of  the  appeal  be  stead- 
ily kept  to :  and  no  member  of  a  committee  by 
which  any  appeal  is  heard,  is  to  express  in  the 
presence  of  the  parties,  or  either  of  them,  any  opin- 
ion on  the  subject  or  subjects  at  issue.  The  com- 
mittee then,  (the  whole  or  not  less  than  fifteen 
being  present,)  carefully  deliberating  upon  the  busi- 
ness referred  to  them,  are  to  confirm  or  reverse  the 
judgment  of  the  Monthly  and  Quarterly  Meeting, 
as  on  an  impartial  just  sense  shall  appear  to  be  right. 
And  when  they  shall  have  agreed  in  a  judgment 
on  the  case,  a  report  in  writing  shall  be  prepared 
and  signed  by  all  those  so  uniting  in  judgment ; 
which  report  being  adopted  by  the  Yearly  Meeting, 
the  parties  are  to  be  informed  thereof  by  a  few 
Friends  deputed  for  that  purpose. 

If  it  should  ever  occur  that  a  Monthly  Meeting 
has  real  cause  to  believe  that  it  is  aggrieved  by  the 
decision  of  its  respective  Quarterly  Meeting,  it  shall 
have  the  right  of  bringing  through  the  Quarter,  its 
situation  to  the  Yearly  Meeting,  in  order  to  its  re- 
consideration and  conclusion,  under  the  same  regu- 
lations as  are  provided  in  the  cases  of  individuals. 
In  this  recognition  of  the  established  right  of 
Monthly  Meetings  to  appeal  from  the  judgment 
and  determination  of  Quarterly  Meetings,  it  is  fer- 
vently desired,  that  the  peace  and  harmony  of  re- 
ligious Society,  as  well  as  an  adherence  to  our 
2 


16 


APPEALS. 


Christian  principles,  may  be  carefully  preserved: 
and  that  Monthly  Meetings  be  exceedingly  cautious 
and  well  assured  of  its  necessity,  before  they  pro- 
ceed so  far  ;  clearly  manifesting,  that  nothing  short 
of  their  sincere  belief  of  the  obligation  to  support 
the  cause  and  testimony  of  Truth,  has  led  them  to 
such  a  very  serious  movement. 

In  all  cases  of  appeal,  whether  to  a  Quarterly  or 
to  the  Yearly  Meeting ;  if  the  appellant  does  not 
attend  in  person  to  prosecute  the  appeal  agreeably 
to  the  foregoing  rules  and  regulations,  he  or  she 
shall  lose  the  right  of  appeal;  and  the  judgment 
of  the  Monthly  Meeting  is  thereby  confirmed :  un- 
less through  sickness  or  some  unavoidable  cause, 
he  or  she  is  prevented  from  being  present,  of  which 
the  Quarterly  or  Yearly  Meeting  is  to  be  fully  satis- 
fied, before  it  agrees  to  a  postponement  of  the  case. 

When  a  Quarterly  Meeting  has  become  so  re- 
duced as  to  consist  of  only  two  Monthly  Meetings, 
and  an  appeal  is  presented  to  its  notice,  it  is  to 
make  a  minute  thereof,  and  appoint  a  few  Friends 
to  attend  the  Yearly  Meeting  with  the  minutes  and 
proceedings  in  the  case,  and  to  give  the  necessary 
information  to  such  committee  as  may  be  appointed 
by  the  Yearly  Meeting,  duly  to  consider  and  deter 
mine  the  same.  — 1834. 


ARBITRATIONS. 


17 


ARBITRATION'S. 

IF  occasions  of  differences  arise  between  any  of 
our  members  about  their  property,  it  is  recom- 
mended that  the  parties  proceed  in  the  following 
manner.  Let  the  party  who  thinks  him  or  herself 
aggrieved,  calmly  and  kindly  request  the  other  to 
comply  with  the  demand  ;  and,  if  this  be  disputed, 
the  complainant,  or  if  he  or  she  lives  at  too  great 
a  distance,  some  Friend  whom  they  may  authorize, 
should  take  with  him  one  or  two  of  the  overseers, 
or  other  discreet  Friends,  and  in  their  presence  re- 
peat the  demand. 

If  this  step  also  fails  of  the  desired  effect,  the 
parties  should  be  advised  to  choose  a  suitable  num- 
ber of  Friends  as  arbitrators,  and  mutually  engage 
by  bond,  or  other  written  instrument  adapted  to  the 
occasion,  to  abide  by  their  determination. — 1719. 

Should  this  proposal  be  acceded  to,  and  arbitra- 
tors be  accordingly  chosen,  they  ought,  as  speed- 
ily as  circumstances  w^ill  admit,  to  appoint  time 
and  place,  and  attend  to  the  business  without  un- 
necessary delay ;  giving  the  parties  a  fair  and  full 
hearing  in  the  presence  of  each  other,  but  listening 
to  neither  of  them  apart,  nor  suffering  their  own 
sentiments  to  be  knowm  abroad  till  they  have  fully 
digested  the  subject,  and  come  to  a  clear  decision, 
which  they  should  be  careful  to  do  within  the  time 
agreed  on. 


IS 


ARBITRATIONS. 


But,  if  either  of  the  said  parties  shall  refuse  to 
submit  the  matter  in  dispute  to  arbitrators ;  or, 
when  that  is  done,  neglect  to  give  his  or  her  at- 
tendance when  desired,  without  a  sufficient  rea- 
son being  assigned ;  or  not  abide  by  their  award 
when  issued  ;  in  either  of  those  cases,  the  offender 
should  be  complained  of,  through  the  overseers,  to 
the  Preparative  Meeting,  and  if  needful,  to  the 
Monthly  Meeting  of  which  he  or  she  is  a  member ; 
and  if  they  cannot  be  brought  to^a  due  sense  of 
their  error,  the  said  meeting  should  declare  its  dis- 
union with  them,  unless  such  person  make  it  evi- 
dent, to  the  satisfaction  of  the  said  meeting,  or  to 
a  committee  thereof,  that  the  award  is  erroneous 
or  unjust.  In  which  case,  the  matter  in  dispute 
may  be  referred  either  to  the  same,  or  other  arbi- 
trators, as  the  meeting  shall  judge  best ;  and  their 
award  shall  be  final.  After  which,  if  either  of  the 
parties  at  variance  prove  so  regardless  of  peace  and 
unity  as  not  to  acquiesce  in  such  corrected  deter- 
mination, the  Monthly  Meeting  they  belong  to 
should  proceed  to  issue  a  testimony  against  him  or 
her  so  refusing. 

•  Where  arbitrators  are  at  a  loss  for  want  of  legal 
knowledge,  it  may  be  proper  for  them,  at  the  joint 
expense  of  the  parties,  to  take  the  opinion  of  counsel 
learned  in  the  law,  in  order  to  come  at  a  proper 
judgment  in  the  matter  referred  to  them.  That 
they  may  the  better  answer  the  end  of  their  ap» 
pointment,  and  be  helpful  in  conciliating  the  minds 


ARBITRATIONS. 


19 


of  the  parties,  they  ought  not  to  consider  them- 
selves as  advocates  for  those  hy  whom  they  are 
chosen,  hut  as  men,  whose  duty  it  is  to  judge 
righteously,  fearing  the  Lord.  They  should,,  as 
much  as  may  he,  shun  all  previous  information 
respecting  the  case ;  or,  having  heard  anything  on 
it,  stand  unbiassed  thereby.  — 1751. 

They  should  reject  no  evidence  nor  witness  pro- 
posed ;  nor  receive  any  but  in  the  presence  of  both 
parties ;  and  in  their  award,  they  need  not  assign 
any  reason  for  their  determinations.  — 1719. 

And  whereas  there  may  be  some  circumstances 
even  in  disputed  matters,  wherein  the  foregoing 
wholesome  method  of  proceeding  cannot  be  complied 
with :  such  as,  1st.  The  party  absconding,  or  leaving 
the  country  with  design  to  defraud  his  or  her  cred- 
itors ;  or,  2d.  That  the  going  through  the  meet- 
ings, by  the  time  it  must  necessarily  take  up, 
might  be  a  manifest  damage  to  the  creditor  or 
claimant,  by  other  people's  postponing  him  or  her, 
as  in  cases  of  apparent  danger  of  bankruptcy,  or  the 
party  being  overloaded  with  debts,  and  other  credit- 
ors generally  coming  on ;  or,  3d.  That  there  may  be 
danger  of  future  damage  to  such  as  submit  thereto, 
as  in  the  case  of  executors,  administrators,  or  trus- 
tees ;  it  may  therefore  be  necessary,  and  it  is  advised, 
that  the  Monthly  Meeting  where  such  cases  happen, 
do  hold  excused  such  as  shall  in  the  two  first-men- 
tioned circumstances  in  this  paragraph  appear  to 
them  to  be  really  necessitated  to  proceed  at  law ; 
2* 


20 


ARBITEATIONS. 


and  in  tlie  latter  case  of  executors,  adnamistratorSj 
or  trustees,  where  it  shall  appear  to  the  meeting 
that  our  friendly  way  would  be  unsafe,  such  may 
be  permitted  to  have  the  matter  tried  at  law,  with 
this  caution,  that  the  parties  on  both  sides  do  be- 
have toward  each  other  in  brotherly  love,  decency, 
and  moderation,  without  anger  or  animosity,  which 
will  be  a  becoming  testimony  even  in  courts,  and 
show  that  nothing  but  the  nature  of  the  case,  and 
our  station  in  common  with  others,  under  the  laws 
of  the  land,  bring  any  of  us  there.  — 1719. 

As  it  may  sometimes  occur  that  a  member,  either 
through  a  misunderstanding  of  the  business  or  from 
an  improper  influence,  may  present  a  complaint 
against  another  member ;  the  overseers,  after  fully 
hearing  both  parties,  and  being  decidedly  of  opin- 
ion that  the  case  does  not  require  a  reference,  are 
to  advise  a  speedy  settlement  thereof ;  which  being 
ineffectual,  and  the  complainant  remaining  dissat- 
isfied therewith,  he  may  have  liberty  to  inform  the 
Preparative  Meeting  where  the  other  party  is  a 
member,  without  mentioning  any  name,  that  hav- 
ing a  matter  in  dispute  with  one  of  their  mem- 
bers, he  is  desirous  of  their  assistance  in  order  to  a 
settlement  thereof.  The  said  meeting  is  then  to 
appoint  a  judicious  committee  to  inquire  into  the 
propriety  of  the  matter  being  left  to  arbitration ; 
if  they  should  judge  that  the  complaint  ought  to 
be  referred,  they  are  to  advise  that  it  be  submitted 
accordingly :  if  either  party  refuses  to  comply  with 


BIRTHS  AND  BURIALS. 


21 


this  advice,  the  Monthly  Meeting  of  which  he  or 
she  is  a  member,  is,  through  its  respective  Prepara- 
tive Meeting,  to  be  informed  thereof,  to  take  up  the 
case  accordingly  and  endeavor  to  bring  the  busi- 
ness to  a  speedy  issue,  that  our  Christian  testimony 
to  peace  and  concord  may  be  duly  maintained :  but 
if  the  committee  of  the  Preparative  Meeting,  where 
the  assistance  has  been  requested,  concur  in  judg- 
ment with  the  overseers,  the  complaint  is  to  be 
dismissed.  — 1806. 

It  is  desired  that  persons  differing  about  worldly 
affairs  do  as  little  as  may  be  engage  Friends  iu 
the  ministry  as  arbitrators  in  such  cases.  — 1751. 


S  those  who  attend  burials  may  sometimes 


-^lX  come  from  far,  and  be  in  need  of  bodily  re- 
freshment, it  is  earnestly  advised  that,  when  this 
is  really  necessary,  it  may  be  with  exemplary  mode- 
ration ;  and  that  Friends  be  careful  in  this  and  all 
other  respects,  to  demean  themselves  with  gravity 
and  decency  ;  remembering  that  such  seasons,  espe- 
cially, ought  never  to  be  perverted  into  opportuni- 
ties for  intemperance  or  levity.  — 1719. 

And  it  is  desired  that,  where  anything  unbecom- 
ing appears,  the  offender  may  be  tenderly  admon* 


BIETHS  AND  BUEIALS. 


22 


BIRTHS  AND  BURIALS. 


ished,  that  so  everytliing  tending  to  lessen  the  solem- 
nity of  such  occasions  may  be  avoided. 

It  is  recommended  that  one  or  more  suitable 
Friends  of  each  particular  meeting  be  appointed 
by  Monthly  Meetings  to  attend  at  funerals,  to  see 
that  good  order  is  observed ;  and  that  the  corpse 
be  removed  about  an  hour  after  the  time  set  for 
meeting  at  the  house.  — 1729. 

Advised  that  Friends  be  careful  themselves,  and 
discourage  their  children  from  attend  in  o-  the  wor- 
ship  of  those  who  are  not  in  communion  with  us, 
and  particularly  at  burials ;  seeing  that,  in  so  do- 
ing, there  is  danger  either  of  balking  their  testi- 
mony for  the  Truth,  to  the  wounding  of  their  own 
minds,  or  giving  unnecessary  oiFence  to  their  sober 
neighbors.  — 1711. 

It  is  the  sense  of  this  meeting,  that  meetings 
should  not  be  appointed  on  account  of  the  inter- 
ment in  our  burial  grounds,  of  persons  who  are  not 
in  membership  with  us ;  and  that  invitations  to 
the  burials  of  such  who  are  not  interred  in  our 
burial  grounds,  should  not  be  made  in  our  religious 
meetings.  And  also,  that  Friends  be  religiously 
guarded  in  publishing  invitations  to  the  burials  of 
such  not  in  membership  with  us,  who  are  admitted 
to  be  interred  in  our  grave-yards.  — 1792. 

In  order  that  meetings  may  not  be  held  at  the 
interment  of  our  deceased  members,  in  a  customary 
or  formal  way,  it  is  advised,  that  the  proposal  for 
holding  any  such  meeting  be  previously  submitted 


BIRTHS  AND  BURIALS. 


23 


to  the  consideration  of  the  elders  and  overseers,  or 
other  solid  Friends,  either  of  the  meeting  in  the 
compass  of  which  the  deceased  resided,  or  of  that 
in  which  the  interment  is  to  take  place,  that  the 
counsel  or  mind  of  Truth  may  be  waited  for  and 
followed.  — 1792. 

To  prevent  the  introduction  of  improper  inter- 
ments among  us,  it  is  recommended  that  two  or 
more  Friends  be  appointed  to  the  care  of  oar  sev- 
eral burial  grounds,  by  Preparative  or  Monthly 
meetings,  as  the  case  may  require,  and  that  no  per- 
BOD  who  is  not  in  membership  be  buried  therein, 
without  a  permit  in  writing  signed  by  one  or  two 
of  those  Friends  ;  who  should  also  take  care,  that 
our  burial  grounds  be  properly  enclosed,  and  kept 
in  decent  order.  —  1792. 

It  is  further  recommended,  that  at  all  interments, 
time  be  allowed  for  a  solemn  pause,  both  before 
and  after  the  corpse  is  put  into  the  ground. 

It  is  the  sense  of  this  meeting,  that  no  monu- 
ments either  of  wood  or  stone  be  affixed  to  graves 
in  any  of  our  burial  grounds;  and  if  any  yet  re- 
main therein,  that  these  be  forthwith  removed  — 
60  that  no  cause  of  uneasiness  on  this  account  may 
exist,  or  partiality  be  justly  chargeable  upon  us. — 
1706, 1733. 

Friends  are  advised  against  imitating  the  vain 
custom  of  wearing  or  giving  mourning  habits,  and 
all  extravagant  expenses  about  the  interment  of 
the  dead. 


24 


BIRTHS  AND  BURIALS. 


As  great  inconvenience  may  arise  from  tlie  want 
of  due  attention  to  keeping  a  regular  record  of 
births  and  deaths,  it  is  earnestly  enjoined  on  each 
Monthly  Meeting,  that  they  appoint  a  careful 
Friend,  whose  duty  it  shall  be,  in  a  book  provided 
for  the  purpose,  at  the  Monthly  Meeting's  expense, 
to  keep  a  record  of  all  births  and  deaths  of  mem- 
bers, that  shall  occur  within  their  respective  limits, 
and  which  shall  be  offered  to  him  for  that  purpose  ; 
and  in  order  to  engage  the  attention  of  Monthly 
meetings  more  closely  to  this  subject,  it  is  further 
enjoined,  that  an  explicit  answer  be  annually  given 
by  Monthly  to  Quarterly  meetings,  and  through 
them  to  the  Yearlj^  Meeting,  to  the  query.  Whether 
due  care  is  taken  to  keep  a  regular  record  of  births 
and  deaths?  — 1757,  1806. 

The  form  of  the  Record 


BIRTHS. 


Names  of  the 
Children. 

When  born. 

Names  of  the 
Parents. 

Their 
residence. 

Occasional 
Notes. 

BURIALS. 


Names  of  the 
deceased. 

When 
deceased. 

Age. 

Where 
buried. 

Late 
residence. 

Occasional 
Notes. 

BIRTHS  AND  BURIALS. 


25 


It  has  been  cause  of  concern,  to  observe  that  some 
of  our  members,  not  duly  regarding  the  ancient  and 
approved  practice  of  our  Society,  have  procured 
places  of  interment  which  are  not  under  the  con- 
trol of  Friends,  and  where  customs  are  sanctioned, 
■which  are  at  variance  with  our  well-known  testi- 
monies. "We  apprehend  this  is  opening  a  door  to 
weakness,  and  preparing  the  way  for  departures 
from  those  salutary  restraints,  which  in  the  wisdom 
of  Truth  have  been  placed  around  our  members, 
and  which  have  so  evidently  tended  to  preserve 
them  in  a  conformity  to  our  religious  principles 
and  practices.  AVe  would  therefore  tenderly  en- 
treat Friends  to  avoid  the  entans^lino^  effects  coiise- 

o  <_> 

qiient  upon  such  a  course,  and  be  willing  to  conform 
to  the  regulations  of  Society  in  this  respect. — 1854. 

Our  members  are  tenderly  advised  and  cautioned 
against  a  growing  tendency  in  the  present  day  to 
conform  to  the  ways  and  customs  of  the  world,  in 
relation  to  the  expensive  coffin,  habiliments  and 
floral  decorations  bestowed  upon  the  perishable 
body  upon  the  occasion  of  its  burial.  The  desire 
was  expressed,  that  in  reference  to  the  two  first- 
named  departures  from  simplicity  on  these  solemn 
occasions,  we  may  let  our  moderation  be  more  fully 
known  to  all  men ;  and  that  the  other  practice  in- 
tended or  calculated  to  drown  solemn  thoughts  of 
death  and  the  grave,  may  be  withstood  by  all  our 
members. — 1877. 


BOOKS. 


AS  tLe  Meeting  for  Sufferings  are  to  take  the 
oversight  of  all  writings  proposed  to  he 
printed,  which  relate  to  our  religious  principles  or 
testimonies  ;  our  memhers  who  may  have  any  such 
puhlications  in  view,  are  to  lay  them  hefore  the  said 
meeting,  for  its  advice  and  concurrence.  And  it  is  the 
sense  of  this  meeting,  that  if  any  one  shall  print  or 
publish  any  writing,  against  the  advice  of  the  said 
Meeting  for  Sufferings,  or  which  tends  to  excite  dis- 
unity and  discord  among  us,  or  any  writing  which 
the  Meeting  for  Sufferings  shall  judge  derogatory 
to  our  Christian  principles  and  profession ;  such 
persons  should  he  complained  of  to  the  Preparative, 
and  thence  to  the  Monthly  Meeting  they  he- 
long  to ;  and  if  they  are  not  convinced  of  the  im- 
propriety of  their  conduct,  so  as  to  condemn  the 
same  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  meeting,  they  should 
he  testified  against,  as  opposed  to  the  peace  and 
good  order  of  the  Society.  — 1771. 

But  if  any  Monthly  Meeting,  when  a  complaint 
is  thus  regularly  made,  neglects  or  refuses  to  ad- 
minister the  Discipline  as  herein  directed,  the  Meet- 
ing for  Sufferings  is  then  to  spread  the  case  hefore 
the  respective  Quarterly  Meeting,  that  the  said 
Monthly  Meeting  may  he  proceeded  with,  as  in  the 
wisdom  of  Truth  shall  appear  just  and  requisite. — 
1834. 

26 


BOOKS. 


27 


If  any  member  of  our  religious  Society  shall  be 
engaged  in  printing,  selling,  or  distributing  books 
or  papers,  which  tend  to  the  denial  or  laying  waste 
a  belief  in  the  divinity,  mediation  and  atonement 
of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ  —  the  imme- 
diate influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  or  the  authen- 
ticity and  divine  inspiration  of  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
they  are  to  be  dealt  with  as  for  any  other  breach 
of  our  Discipline ;  and  if  they  are  not  brought  to  a 
sense  of  their  misconduct,  so  as  to  condemn  the 
same  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Monthly  Meeting, 
they  should  be  disowned.  —  1834. 

This  meeting  doth  earnestly  exhort  all  parents, 
heads  of  families,  and  guardians  of  minors,  that 
they  prevent,  as  much  as  in  them  lies,  their  chil- 
dren, and  others  under  their  care  and  tuition,  from 
having  or  reading  books  and  papers  tending  to 
prejudice  the  profession  of  the  Christian  religion, 
to  create  the  least  doubt  concerning  the  authen- 
ticity and  divine  inspiration  of  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
or  of  those  saving  truths  declared  in  them ;  lest 
their  infant  and  feeble  minds  should  be  poisoned 
thereby,  and  a  foundation  laid  for  the  greatest 
evils.  And  it  is  earnestly  recommended  to  every 
member  of  our  religious  Society,  that  they  dis- 
courage and  suppress  the  reading  of  plays,  ro- 
mances, novels,  or  other  pernicious  books ;  and 
printers  and  booksellers  in  profession  with  us,  are 
cautioned  against  printing,  selling  or  lending  such 
books ;  as  it  is  a  practice  so  inconsistent  with  the 
3 


28 


CEBTIFICATES. 


purity  of  the  Christian  religion.  And  Friends  are 
desired  to  be  careful  in  the  choice  of  all  books  in 
which  their  children  and  families  read,  seeing  there 
are  many  under  the  specious  titles  of  promoting 
religion  and  morality,  which  contain  sentiments  re- 
pugnant to  the  truth  in  Christ  Jesus.  — 1764. 

In  a  day  when  pernicious  publications  and  vain 
and  corrupting  amusements  are  multiplying,  and 
presenting  strong  attractions  to  young  and  old,  we 
believe  the  rightly  disciplined  and  exercised  parent, 
will  feel  the  need  of  restraining  the  children  from 
access  to  them ;  and  while  he  directs  their  attention 
to  the  convicting  Grace  of  Christ  Jesus  in  the  heart, 
by  which  they  would  see  the  sinfulness  of  sin,  and 
be  led  out  of  it,  he  would  also  encourage  them  in 
the  frequent  perusal  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  the 
approved  writings  of  faithful  men  who  have  been 
lights  in  the  Society. — 1851. 


CERTIFICATES. 

IT  is  recommended  to  the  Quarterly  and  Monthly 
meeting,  to  take  care  that  all  certificates  or 
minutes  which  may  be  given  to  any  travelling 
Friend,  be  recorded,  and  upon  the  return  of  such 
Friend,  seasonably  delivered  back  to  the  meeting ; 
and  that  all  certificates  of  removal  brought  by  any 
Friend  intending  to  reside  amongst  us,  shall  be 
lodged  in  the  Monthly  Meeting  where  the  same  is 


CERTIFICATES. 


29 


accepted ;  and  also,  that  every  meeting  do  keep  a 
copy  or  record  of  all  certificates  which  they  give 
out.  — 1718. 

All  certificates  of  removal  prepared  for  women 
Friends,  after  being  considered  in  their  Monthly 
Meeting,  are  to  be  sent  to  the  men's,  and  if  there 
approved,  signed  by  the  clerks  of  both.  If  they 
are  directed  to  any  place  beyond  the  limits  of  the 
respective  Quarterly  Meeting,  they  are  to  be  signed 
by  the  clerks  and  one  of  the  correspondents.  If 
the  certificate  is  for  a  man  only,  it  is  to  be  signed 
by  the  clerk  of  the  men's  meeting,  and  one  of  the 
correspondents.  And  all  other  certificates  or 
minutes  given  forth  for  Friends,  which  are  to  go 
beyond  the  Quarterly  Meeting,  are  to  be  signed  in 
like  manner.  — 1723,  1828,  1834. 

Friends  are  advised  to  be  very  cautious  in  chang- 
ing their  places  of  residence :  it  having  been  ob- 
served that  the  dissolving  of  old,  and  the  forming 
of  new  connections,  have  in  many  instances  been 
attended  with  efifects  prejudicial  to  a  growth  in  the 
Truth  and  the  service  thereof,  both  in  the  heads 
and  younger  branches  of  families.  We  therefore 
recommend  to  all,  that  on  these  occasions  a  strict 
attention  be  paid  to  the  pointings  of  Divine  Wis- 
dom ;  and  that  before  any  determine  to  change 
their  places  of  abode,  they  consult  with  their  expe- 
rienced fellow-members.  — 1719,  1769. 

It  is  the  judgment  of  this  meeting,  that  when  a 
certificate  of  removal  from  one  Monthly  Meeting  to 


80 


CERTIFICATES. 


another  is  received,  the  person  or  persons  recom- 
mended shall  be  deemed  members  of  the  meeting 
they  remove  to.  But  if  any  such  person  shall  fall 
into  circumstances  requiring  pecuniary  relief,  with- 
in one  year  after  the  receipt  of  such  certificate,  the 
meeting  removed  to  ought  to  assist  them,  giving 
Bpeedy  notice  thereof  to  the  other.  Whereupon 
that  meeting  should  immediately  take  care  of  them, 
and  repay  the  charge  which  has  been  or  may  be  in- 
curred on  that  account.  And  if  the  meeting  from 
which  such  persons  removed  (on  consulting  with 
that  within  w^hich  they  are)  shall  des'ire  them  to 
return,  he  or  she  ought  to  comply  as  soon  as  they 
are  of  ability  so  to  do  ;  and  the  Friends  where 
they  reside  should  yield  them  such  advice  and  as- 
sistance as  the  case  may  require.  If  any  such  per- 
sons on  being  so  required  shall  refuse  to  comply, 
the  said  Monthly  Meeting  may  deal  with  them  as 
opposed  to  the  order  of  the  Society,  and  if  they 
cannot  be  prevailed  with  to  submit,  issue  a  testi- 
mony of  denial  against  them. — -1792. 

The  above  rule  enjoining  the  return  of  members 
to  the  meetings  they  have  removed  from,  is,  how- 
ever, not  designed  to  extend  to  the  wife  of  a  person 
who  is  not  in  membership  with  us,  or  to  such  of 
their  minor  children  as  are  members ;  but  if  such 
should  need  relief,  within  one  year  as  aforesaid, 
they  should  be  assisted,  in  the  manner  recommended, 
by  the  meeting  they  removed  from.  — 1796. 

If  any  Friend  be  reduced  in  his  or  her  circum- 
stances by  fire,  or  other  sudden  unavoidable  losses, 


CEETIFICATES. 


31 


though  it  may  be  within  one  year  after  their  re- 
moval as  aforesaid,  they  should  be  kindly  assisted 
and  relieved  by  the  meeting  where  such  persons  re- 
side, and  considered  members  thereof.  — 1792. 

All  Friends  removing  out  of  the  limits  of  their 
Monthly  meetings,  whether  for  continuance  or  for 
a  considerable  length  of  time,  are  advised  to  apply 
to  their  respective  meetings  for  certificates,  directed 
to  those  within  which  they  propose  to  sojourn  or 
settle.  But  if  any,  not  duly  attentive  to  this  ad- 
vice, shall  remove  without  so  applying,  the  Monthly 
meetings  of  which  they  are  members,  after  the  usual 
inquiry  made,  and  no  obstruction  appearing,  should 
send  certificates  for  them  to  the  Monthly  meetings 
within  which  they  are  removed,  and  that  without 
improper  delay  ;  but  if  their  conduct  requires  their 
being  dealt  with,  and  the  distance  is  such  as  to  be 
inconvenient  for  the  meeting  they  have  removed 
from,  the  Monthly  fleeting  within  which  they  are 
should  be  requested  to  treat  with  him  or  her  there- 
on, and  report  the  effect  of  its  care.  On  which,  if 
it  proves  satisfactory,  a  certificate  of  recommenda- 
tion or  removal  may  be  ordered  ;  but  if  otherwise, 
and  a  testimony  of  disunion  is  issued,  the  meeting 
within  which  he  or  she  resides  should  be  furnished 
with  a  copy  thereof,  to  be  delivered  to  the  party, 
with  information  of  their  right  of  appeal.  — 1806. 

Where  apprentices  or  persons  under  age  are  under 
a  necessity  of  going  from  one  place  to  another,  their 
parents  or  guardians,  masters  or  mistresses,  should 
apply  for  certificates  for  them,  recommending  them 
3* 


32 


CERTIFICATES. 


to  the  care  and  oversight  of  the  Monthly  meetings 
whereto  they  remove.  — 1744,  1783. 

if  any  person  appearing  as  a  Friend,  come  within 
the  compass  of  a  Monthly  Meeting,  not  being  rec- 
ommended by  certificate,  and  be  of  disorderly  con- 
duct, the  overseers,  or  other  concerned  Friends, 
should  inquire  whether  or  not  he  or  she  is  a  member 
of  our  Society;  and,  if  they  prove  so  to  be,  admonish 
them,  or,  if  the  occasion  require  it,  report  the  case 
to  the  Preparative,  and  from  thence  to  the  Monthly 
Meeting ;  which  should  thereupon  inform  the 
Monthly  Meeting  of  w^hich  he  or  she  is  a  member, 
of  the  circumstance,  and  take  the  direction  of  said 
meeting,  for  dealing  further  with  them,  according 
to  our  rules  in  cases  of  that  nature. 

It  is  recommended  that  Monthly  meetings,  as 
way  may  open,  appoint  two  or  more  Friends  to  visit 
such,  who  come  recommended  by  certificate  to  set- 
tle amongst  them. 

Monthly  meetings  are  advised  to  take  due  care, 
that  certificates  of  removal  be  seasonably  forwarded 
by  suitable  conveyances,  to  the  Monthly  meetings 
to  which  they  are  directed  —  they  being  the  ex- 
clusive property  of  such  meetings.  — 1800. 

"When  a  Monthly  Meeting  is  engaged  to  prepare 
a  certificate  on  account  of  the  removal  of  any 
Friend,  to  reside  within  the  limits  of  another 
Monthly  Meeting,  careful  inquiry  should  be  made 
by  a  committee  appointed  for  the  purpose,  respect- 
ing the  settlement  of  his  or  her  afiairs,  and  also  if 
single,  concerning  their  situation  in  relation  to 


CIVIL  go\t:rnmext. 


33 


marriage  engagements ;  and  if  a  satisfactory  clear- 
ness is  so  far  ascertained,  that  the  circumstances 
of  the  party  do  not  form  any  impediment  to  the 
granting  a  certificate,  it  should  state,  that,  on  in- 
quiry, no  obstruction  appeared  to  the  recommend- 
ing him  or  her  to  the  Christian  care  of  the  meeting, 
within  whose  limits  they  are  removed. — 1818, 1834. 

When  a  certificate  of  removal,  addressed  to  a 
Monthly  Meeting,  is  produced  therein,  and  it  is 
known  that  the  person  or  persons  recommended 
reside  within  the  limits  thereof,  the  certificate 
.  should  be  considered  as  accepted,  and  the  parties 
members  of  that  meeting  ;  subject  however  to  the 
rule  as  it  relates  to  pecuniary  relief  within  one  year 
thereafter.  But  if  it  should  appear  that  the  con- 
duct of  them,  or  any  of  them,  requires  their  being 
dealt  with,  the  certificate  should  be  returned  to 
the  meeting  which  granted  it.  — 1816, 1834. 


CIYIL  GOYERKMEOT. 

LIBERTY  of  conscience  being  the  common  right 
of  all  men,  and  particularly  essential  to  the 
well-being  of  religious  societies,  we  Lold  it  to  be 
indispensably  incumbent  upon  us  to  maintain  it  in- 
violably among  ourselves  :  and  therefore  advise  and 
exhort  all  in  profession  with  us,  to  decline  the  ac- 
ceptance of  any  office  or  station  in  civil  government, 


84 


CIVIL  GOVERNMENT. 


the  duties  of  whicli  are  inconsistent  with  our  re- 
ligious principles;  or  in  the  exercise  of  which  they 
may  be,  or  think  themselves  to  be,  under  the  neces- 
sity of  exacting  of  their  brethren  any  compliances, 
against  which  we  are  conscientiously  scrupulous. 
And  if  any  persons  in  membership  with  us,  not- 
withstanding this  advice,  shall  persist  in  a  conduct 
BO  reverse  to  our  principles  and  religious  liberty,  it 
IS  the  sense  of  this  meeting  that  they  be  treated 
with,  as  in  other  cases  of  offence ;  and  if  they  are 
not  brought  to  see  and  acknowledge  their  error, 
that  the  Monthly  meetings  to  which  they  belong, 
should  proceed  to  testify  our  disunity  with  them. — 
1710, 1762. 

It  is  also  the  sense  and  judgment  of  this  meeting, 
that  Friends  ought  not,  in  any  wise,  to  be  active 
or  accessory  in  electing,  or  promoting  to  be  elected, 
their  brethren  to  such  offices  or  stations  in  civil 
government,  the  execution  whereof  tends  to  lay 
waste  our  Christian  testimony,  or  subject  their 
brethren  or  others  to  sufferings  on  account  of  their 
conscientious  scruples.  — 1762.    See  Oaths. 

Believing  that  we  are  called  to  show  forth  to  the 
world  in  life  and  practice,  that  the  blessed  reign  of 
the  Messiah,  the  Prince  of  Peace,  is  begun,  and  we 
doubt  not,  will  proceed  till  it  attains  its  completion 
in  the  earth,  when,  according  to  the  prophecies  of 
Isaiah  and  Micah,  "  J^ation  shall  not  lift  up  sword 
against  nation,  neither  shall  they  learn  war  any 
more."  Influenced  by  these  principles,  we  cannot 
consistefitly  join  with  such  as  fgrm  combinations 


CONDUCT  AND  CONYEESATION. 


35 


of  a  hostile  nature  against  any ;  especially  in  oppo- 
sition to  those  placed  in  sovereign  or  subordinate 
authority:  nor  can  we  unite  with  or  encourage 
such  as  revile  OP  asperse  them. — 1762.    See  Oaths, 


COOT)nCT  AXD  COXYERSATIO]JT. 

WHATEVER  exercises  we  may  meet  with  on 
account  of  a  faithful  testimony  to  the  Truth, 
in  all  godliness  of  conversation,  and  to  the  end  that 
we  may  not  faint  in  our  minds,  let  us  consider  the 
Captain  of  our  salvation,  who  endured  the  contra- 
diction of  sinners,  hearing  his  cross  and  despising 
the  shame,  and  is  now  set  down  on  the  right  hand 
of  God,  where  He  continually  maketh  intercession 
for  us  —  that  following  him,  and  under  his  banner 
fighting  the  good  fight  of  faith,  we  may  finally  ob- 
tain the  crown  of  righteousness  w^hich  fadeth  not 
away.  — 1694. 

It  is  directed  that  if  there  should  be  any  in  mem- 
bership with  us,  who  are  guilty  of  lying,  swearing, 
cursing ;  men  and  women  unlawfully  or  in  an  un- 
seemly manner  keeping  company  with  each  other, 
or  any  other  scandalous  practice,  that  they  be 
speedily  dealt  with :  and  where  any  are  guilty  of 
any  gross  or  notorious  crime,  or  such  other  disor- 
derly or  indecent  practices  as  shall  occasion  public 
Bcandal ;  they  should  also,  if  practicable,  be  dealt 


86 


CONDUCT  AND  CONTERSATIOIT. 


with  without  delay,  by  the  overseers  or  other  con- 
cerned Friends ;  and  if  they  are  brought  to  a  sense 
thereof,  such  offenders  ought  without  improper  de- 
lay, to  remove  the  scandal,  and  as  much  as  in  them 
lies  clear  our  holy  profession  therefrom, by  acknowl- 
edging the  offence,  and  condemning  the  same  in 
writing  under  their  hand,  to  the  satisfaction  of  the 
Monthly  Meeting  whereto  they  belong.  And  where 
any  such  offender  does  not  so  acknowledge  and  con- 
demn the  fault,  or  has  gone  off  to  parts  so  remote 
or  unknown,  as  to  render  it  very  difficult  or  im- 
practicable for  the  overseers  to  treat  with  him  or 
her ;  the  case  should  be  early  represented  to  the 
Monthly  Meeting,  that  diligent  care  and  exertion 
may  be  used  to  manifest  our  entire  disapprobation 
of  all  such  disgraceful  conduct ;  and  whenever  it 
shall  appear  seasonable,  that  a  testimony  be  issued 
for  the  clearing  our  religious  Society  from  the  re- 
proach thereof.  — 1719,  1834. 

If  any  in  membership  with  us  do  countenance  or 
promote  any  noisy  gatherings  or  tumults,  they 
should  be  speedily  dealt  with  as  disorderly  persons ; 
and  if  they  are  not  brought  to  a  due  sense  of  their 
error,  disowned.  — 1726.    See  Spirituous  Liquors. 

If  any  belonging  to  our  Society  shall  blaspheme, 
or  speak  profanely  of  Almighty  God,  Christ  Jesus, 
or  the  Holy  Spirit,  or  shall  deny  the  divinity,  me- 
diation or  atonement  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ,  the  immediate  revelation  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  or  the  authenticity  and  divine  inspiration 


CONDUCT  AND  CONVERSATION. 


37 


of  the  Holy  Scriptures;  or  print,  publish,  or  spread 
any  work  tending  to  lay  waste  a  belief  in  these  im- 
portant Christian  principles;  as  it  is  manifest  they 
are  not  one  in  faith  with  us,  the  Monthly  Meeting 
where  the  party  belongs,  should  extend  due  care 
for  the  convincement  of  his  or  her  understanding 
and  right  restoration  ;  but  if  this  be  without  effect, 
it  should  issue  a  testimony  against  them.  — 1806, 
1834. 

By  the  propitiatory  sacrifice  of  Christ  without 
ns.  He  hath  reconciled  us  to  God,  even  while  we  are 
enemies ;  that  is.  He  offers  reconciliation  unto  us, 
and  puts  us  into  a  capacity  of  being  reconciled ; 
and  we,  truly  repenting  and  believing,  are,  through 
the  mercy  of  God,  justified  from  the  imputation  of 
sins  and  transgressions  that  are  past,  as  though 
they  had  never  been  committed :  and  by  the 
mighty  work  of  Christ  within  us,  the  power,  na- 
ture and  habits  of  sin  are  destroyed  ;  that  as  sin 
once  reigned  unto  death,  even  so  now  grace  reign- 
eth  through  righteousness  unto  eternal  life,  by 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. — 1834. 

It  is  the  earnest  concern  of  this  meeting,  that  in 
all  our  dealings  and  transactions  among  men,  strict 
justice  may  be  observed,  and  that  no  motives  of 
pecuniary  interest  may  induce  any  of  our  members 
to  impose  on  each  other,  or  on  others  ;  and  it  is  de- 
sired that  Monthly  meetings  may  be  careful  to 
extend  suitable  admonition  against  a  spirit  of 
covetousness ;  and  where  there  is  any  deviation 


^8 


CONVINCED  PEESONS. 


from  strict  justice  in  any  of  our  members,  that  they 
be  dealt  with  as  for  any  other  breach  of  our  Disci- 
pline.—1778,  1834. 

Erequent  waiting  in  stillness  on  the  Lord  for  the 
renewal  of  strength,  keeps  the  mind  at  home  in  its 
proper  place  and  duty,  and  out  of  all  unprofitable 
association  and  converse,  whether  amongst  those 
of  our  own,  or  other  professions.  Much  hurt  may 
accrue  to  the  religious  mind,  by  long  and  frequent 
conversation  on  temporal  matters,  Especially  by  in- 
teresting ourselves  unnecessarily  in  them  ;  for  there 
is  a  leaven  in  that  propensity,  which  being  suffered 
to  prevail,  indisposes  and  benumbs  the  soul,  and 
prevents  its  frequent  ascendings  in  living  aspira- 
tions towards  the  Fountain  of  eternal  life.  — 1796. 


IT  is  concluded  that  the  following  order  be  ob- 
served respecting  persons  who  apply  for  admit- 
tance into  membership,  and  request  to  come  under 
the  care  of  Friends. — That  they  apply  to  the  over- 
seers or  elders,  who,  when  they  are  easy  so  to  do, 
are  to  lay  it  before  the  Preparative  Meeting  ;  and 
after  that  meeting  is  fully  satisfied,  by  paying  a 
solid  visit,  or  otherwise,  they  are  to  lay  the  case 
before  the  Monthly  Meeting  ;  which  meeting  shall 
appoint  some  suitable  Friends  to  inquire  into  the 
person's  life  and  conversation,  and  also  to  take  a 
solid  opportunity  of  conference  with  the  party,  in 
order  the  better  to  understand  whether  his  or  her 
motives  for  such  request  be  sincere,  and  on  the 
ground  of  true  convincement  of  our  religious  prin- 
ciples, doctrines  and  testimonies ;  and  make  report 
of  their  sense  of  the  person's  state  of  mind ;  on 
which,  if  the  meeting  is  satisfied  of  his  or  her  fit- 
ness for  membership,  a  minute  should  be  made, 
signifying  the  acceptance  of  such  into  membership, 
and  appointing  a  Friend  or  two  to  acquaint  the 
person  thereof,  requesting  his  or  her  attendance  at 

the  next  Monthly  Meeting.— 1796,  1834. 

4  39 


89a 


CONVINCED  PERSONS. 


In  the  cases  of  persons  who  have  never  been 
members  of  our  Religious  Society,  but  who  have 
been  convinced  of  our  principles,  and  are  desirous 
of  being  received  into  membership,  but  whose 
residence  is  remote  from  the  meetings  of  Friends, 
the  Monthly  Meeting  to  which  such  application 
shall  be  made  shall  be  authorized  to  act  upon  them 
in  the  same  manner  as  if  the  residence  of  the  in- 
dividuals was  contiguous  to  that  meeting,  and  to 
judge  of  each  case  according  to  the  rules  of  our 
discipline. — 1883. 

Applications  to  be  received  into  membership  by 
persons  residing  on  or  near  the  Allegheny  Indian 
Reservation,  and  which  shall  be  forwarded  by  the 
"  Committee  for  the  Improvement  and  Civilization 
of  the  Indian  ^Tatives,"  are  to  be  referred  to  the 
Monthly  Meeting  of  Friends  of  Philadelphia,  to 
be  judged  of  and  acted  upon  by  that  meeting  in 
accordance  with  the  discipline  and  usages  of  our 
Society  as  in  cases  of  application  for  membership 
arising  within  the  usual  limits  of  that  Monthly 
Meeting. 

The  said  Monthly  Meeting  is  at  liberty  to  receive 
certificates  of  removal  for  Friends  from  other 
neighborhoods,  residing  in  that  locality,  who  now 
are  or  who  hereafter  may  be  under  the  care  of  the 
Indian  Committee. — 1882. 

But  in  all  such  cases,  Friends  are  exhorted  to 
attend  carefully  to  the  advice  of  the  Apostle,  "  Lay 
hands  suddenly  on  no  man :  "  the  neglect  of  such 


CONVINCED  PERSONS. 


895 


caution  having  often  been  injurious  both  to  the  in- 
dividuals and  to  the  Society, — to  them,  by  settling 
them  in  a  false  rest ;  and  to  the  Society,  by  adding 
to  its  numbers,  without  increasing  its  joy. — 1806. 

Wherefore  we  desire,  that  on  every  application 
of  persons  to  be  received  into  membership  with  us. 
Monthly  Meetings  may  be  deep  and  weighty  in  their 
deliberations  and  result ;  and  when  united  in  believ- 
ing that  the  applicants  are  clearly  convinced  of  our 
religious  principles,  and  in  a  good  degree  subject  to 
the  Divine  "Witness  in  their  own  hearts,  manifested 
by  a  circumspect  life  and  conduct;  said  meetings 
are  at  liberty  to  receive  such  into  membership, 
without  respect  to  nation  or  color. — 1796, 


DAYS  A^J)  TIMES. 


ADVISED  tliat  Friends  be  exemplary  in  keep* 
ing  to  our  ancient  testimony  against  the  su- 
perstitious observation  of  days ;  and  to  the  sim- 
plicity of  Truth  in  calling  the  days  and  months  by 
Scripture  names,  and  not  by  those  of  the  heathen. 
1691,  1697. 

Some  reasons  for  not  observing  fasts  and  feast- 
days  and  times,  and  other  human  injunctions  and 
institutions  relative  to  the  worship  of  Grod : 

Ever  since  we  were  a  people  we  have  had  a  testi- 
mony against  formal  worship  ;  being  convinced  by 
the  precepts  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  testimo- 
nies of  his  Apostles,  and  our  own  experience,  that 
the  worship  and  prayers  which  God  accepts,  are 
such  only  as  are  produced  by  the  influence  and  as- 
sistance of  his  Holy  Spirit ;  we  cannot  therefore 
consistently  unite  with  any  in  the  observation  of 
public  fasts,  feasts,  and  what  they  term  holy  days; 
or  such  injunctions  and  forms  as  are  devised  in 
man's  will  for  divine  worship.  The  dispensation 
to  which  outward  observations  were  peculiar,  hav- 
ing long  since  given  place  to  the  spiritual  dispensa- 
tion of  the  Gospel,  we  believe  the  fast  we  are  now 
called  to,  is  not  the  bowing  of  the  head  like  a  bul- 
rush for  a  day,  but  an  universal  and  continual  fast- 
ing and  refraining  from  everything  which  has  a 
40 


DATS  AND  TIMES.  41 

tendency  to  defile  the  soul,  and  unfit  it  for  becom- 
ing the  temple  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  according  to  the 
injunctions  of  Christ  to  his  primitive  disciples,  "  If 
any  man  will  come  after  me,  let  him  deny  himself, 
and  take  up  his  cross  daily,  and  follow  me.''  Luke 
ix.  23. — "Watch  ye  therefore  and  pray  always, 
that  ye  may  he  accounted  worthy  to  escape  all  these 
things  that  shall  come  to  pass,  and  to  stand  before 
the  Son  of  man,"  Luke  xxi.  36.  That  the  primi- 
tive believers  saw  an  end  to  these  shadows  of  good 
things,  by  coming  to  Him  in  whom  all  figures  and 
shadows  end,  is  evident  by  the  words  of  the 
Apostle  Paul ;  "  For  Christ,"  said  he,  "  is  the  end 
of  the  law  for  righteousness  to  every  one  that  be- 
lieveth."  Rom.  x.  4.  —  "But  now  hath  He  ob- 
tained a  more  excellent  ministry,  by  how  much 
also  He  is  the  Mediator  of  a  better  covenant,  which 
was  established  upon  better  promises."  Heb.  viii. 
6.  And  the  same  Apostle  thus  expostulated  with 
some,  who  it  appears  had  fallen  from  the  true  faith 
in  these  respects  :  "  But  now,  after  that  ye  have 
known  God,  or  rather  are  known  of  God,  how  turn 
ye  again  to  the  weak  and  beggarly  elements,  where- 
unto  ye  desire  again  to  be  in  bondage.  Ye  observe 
days,  and  months,  and  times,  and  years.  I  am 
afraid  of  you,  lest  I  have  bestowed  upon  you  labour 
in  vain."    Gal.  iv.  9-11.  —1759. 

As  we  do  not  find  any  ground  in  Scripture  for 
it,  we  cannot  be  so  superstitious  as  to  believe,  that 
either  the  Jewish  sabbath  now  continues,  or  that 
4* 


42 


DAYS  AND  TIMES. 


the  first  day  of  the  week  is  the  anti-type  thereof,  or 
the  true  Christian  sabbath  ;  which  we  believe  has  a 
more  spiritual  sense  and  signification ;  and  therefore 
we  know  no  moral  obligation  by  the  fourth  com- 
mand or  elsewhere,  to  keep  the  first  day  of  the  week 
more  than  any  other,  or  that  there  is  any  holiness  in- 
herent in  it.  But  as  we  believe  the  Apostles  and 
primitive  Christians  did  meet  on  this  day  to  wor- 
ship God,  so  we,  following  their  example,  do  the 
like,  and  forbear  working  or  engaging  in  our 
worldly  afi:airs  upon  that  day.  Works  of  charity 
or  Christian  benevolence,  such  as  visiting  and  admin- 
istering to  the  sick  and  afiiicted ;  or  occasions  of 
unavoidable  necessity  may  sometimes  interfere  with, 
or  occasion  a  deviation  from  the  strict  adherence 
to  the  uses  and  services  to  which  this  day  is  spe- 
cially appropriated  ;  yet  it  is  our  continued  concern 
afibctionately  to  recommend  to  all  our  members, 
that,  abstaining  from  bodily  labor  on  that  day, 
they  observe  and  regard  it  as  a  day  which  by  the 
generality  of  Christians  is  peculiarly  set  apart  for 
religious  retirement,  and  the  performance  of  public 
worship  to  Almighty  God.  — 1834. 

Being  well  assured  that  the  edifying  practice  of 
frequently  collecting  our  children  and  families,  in 
order  for  religious  retirement,  would  be  promotive 
of  essential  benefit,  Friends  are  exhorted  to  seek 
after  a  right  qualification,  under  which  they  may 
be  enabled  to  maintain  it,  especially  in  the  after- 
noon of  the  first  day  of  the  week,  in  such  places 


DEFAMATION  AND  DETRACTION. 


43 


where  meetings  for  public  worship  are  not  held  at 
that  time ;  the  due  discharge  of  which  duty,  and 
Bolidly  reading  the  Holy  Scriptures  and  other  reli- 
gious books,  with  a  steady,  watchful  care  over  our 
young  people,  to  discourage  their  visiting  and  ram- 
bling about  on  that  day,  and  mixing  with  unprofit- 
able company  at  this  and  at  other  times,  would, 
under  the  Divine  blessing,  be  a  means  of  their  pre- 
servation out  of  many  ensnaring  temptations,  to 
which  they  are  liable.  — 1834. 


defamatio:n'  and  detractioit. 

IT^RIEXDS  everywhere  are  exhorted  to  maintain 
-  a  strict  watch  over  themselves  and  each  other, 
against  the  subtle  and  mischievous  spirit  of  tale- 
bearing and  detraction  —  the  manifest  tendency  of 
which  is  to  lay  waste  the  unity  of  the  Body,  by 
sowing  the  seeds  of  disesteem,  strife,  and  discord 
among  brethren  and  neighbors ;  as  well  as  to  unfit 
those  who  either  propagate  or  listen  to  evil  reports, 
for  being  of  that  service  to  the  persons  reflected 
upon,  which  they  might  be,  if  the  order  prescribed 
by  our  blessed  Lord  to  his  church  was  strictly  ob- 
served; viz.,  "If  th}^  brother  shall  trespass  against 
thee,  go  and  tell  him  his  fault  between  thee  and 
him  alone :  if  he  shall  hear  thee,  thou  hast  gained 
thy  brother.    But  if  he  will  not  hear  thee,  then 


44  DEFAMATION"  AND  DETRACTION. 


take  with  tliee  one  or  two  more,  that,  in  the  mouth 
of  two  or  three  witnesses  every  word  may  be  estab- 
lished. And  if  he  shall  neglect  to  hear  them,  tell 
it  unto  the  church ;  but  if  he  neglect  to  hear  the 
church,  let  him  be  unto  thee  as  an  heathen  man  and 
a  publican."    Matt,  xviii.  15-17.  — 1719, 1806. 

It  is  therefore  advised,  that  in  whomsoever  this 
weakness  appears,  it  may  be  immediately  checked ; 
and,  if  any  one  gives  way  to  it,  to  the  obvious  in- 
jury of  another's  reputation  or  interest,  let  him  or 
her  be  faithfully  admonished ;  and  if  they  cannot 
be  prevailed  with  to  make  such  acknowledgment 
of  their  error,  as  shall  be  satisfactory  to  the  Month- 
ly Meeting,  they  are  to  be  further  dealt  with  ;  when, 
if  this  produce  not  the  desired  effect,  they  should 
be  testitied  against.  — 1806,  1834. 

If  any  member  who  offends  in  this  respect,  shel- 
ters him  or  herself  under  a  pretence,  that  they  say 
no  more  than  they  have  heard  from  others,  yet  will 
not  discover  who  they  are  —  such  reporters  or  tale- 
bearers should  in  like  manner  be  dealt  with,  and 
testified  against  as  being  themselves  the  authors. 
1806. 


DISCIPLINE,  ANT)  MEET^GS  FOR 
DISCIPLLN-E. 


THE  institution  of  our  meetings  for  Discipline, 
having  on  experience  been  found  very  benefi- 
cial, it  is  earnestly  recommended  they  be  main- 
tained in  the  authority  wherein  they  were  estab- 
lished :  it  being  evident,  where  any  have  been 
negligent  in  attending  them,  or  opposed  to  their 
usefulness,  that  carnality  and  spiritual  death  have 
been  the  consequence.  — 1701. 

The  connection  and  subordination  of  our  meet- 
ings for  Discipline  are  thus  :  Preparative  meetings 
are  accountable  to  the  Monthly;  Monthly  to  the 
Quarterly ;  and  the  Quarterly  to  the  Yearly  Meeting. 
So  that  if  the  Yearly  Meeting  be  at  any  time  dissat- 
isfied with  the  proceedings  of  any  inferior  meeting  ; 
or  a  Quarterly  Meeting  with  the  proceedings  of 
either  of  its  Monthly  meetings ;  or  a  ]Monthly 
Meeting  with  the  proceedings  of  either  of  its  Pre- 
parative meetings  —  such  meeting  or  meetings  are 
with  readiness  and  meekness  to  render  an  account 
thereof  when  required,  and  submit  to  the  judgment 
and  decision  of  its  respective  superior  meeting. — 
1719,  1834.    See  Ajypeals, 

Xo  Quarterly  ]SIeeting  shall  be  set  up  or  instituted, 
without  the  consent  and  approbation  of  the  Yearly 
Meeting — no  Monthly  Meeting,  without  the  con- 
45 


46 


DISCIPLINE. 


sent  and  approbation  of  the  Quarterly  Meeting  . 
no  Preparative  Meeting  for  business,  nor  meeting 
for  worship,  until  united  with  by  the  Monthly  Meet- 
ing ;  after  which  the  consent  and  approbation  of  the 
Quarterly  Meeting  is  also  to  be  obtained.  — 1719, 
1834. 

If  at  any  time  the  Yearly  Meeting  sh^ll  judge  it 
right  and  expedient  to  lay  down  or  dissolve  any  of 
its  Quarterly  meetings,  and  join  the  ]\[onthly  and 
other  meetings  thereof  to  another  Quarterly  Meet- 
ing, the  said  meetings  are  with  readiness  to  sub- 
mit to  such  decision  and  junction.  — 1834. 

And  if  any  Quarterly  Meeting  shall,  upon  delib- 
erate consideration,  judge  it  is  right  and  expedient 
to  lay  down  or  dissolve  any  of  the  Monthly  or  Pre- 
parative meetings  belonging  thereto,  and  join  the 
members  thereof  to  another  of  its  Monthly  or  Pre- 
parative meetings,  it  is  authorized  so  to  do,  and  the 
members  of  those  dissolved  meetings  are  to  be  ac- 
cepted and  recognized  as  under  the  care  of  the  said 
meetings  to  which  they  are  joined.  — 1834. 

And  if  any  Monthly  fleeting  should,  upon  delib- 
erate weighty  consideration,  conclude  that  any  of 
the  Preparative  meetings  belonging  thereto  had 
better  be  dissolved,  and  the  members  joined  to  an- 
other Preparative  Meeting  within  its  limits,  or  that 
any  of  its  meetings  for  worship  should  be  laid  down 
or  discontinued,  it  has  the  right  to  state  its  sense 
and  judgment  to  the  Quarterly  Meeting,  and  when 
the  concurrence  thereof  is  obtained,  the  proposed 


DISCIPLINE. 


47 


dissolution,  junction,  and  discontinuance  is  to  take 
effect.  — 1834. 

Wheresoever  it  appears  that  Monthly  meetings, 
through  the  smalhiess  of  their  numbers,  or  the  want 
of  sufficient  qualification  for  the  due  maintenance 
of  the  Discipline,  are  under  difficulty  in  fulfilling 
the  various  obligations  devolved  upon  them,  it  is 
recommended  that  they  claim  the  sympathy  and 
brotherly  care  of  their  respective  Quarterly  meet- 
ings, which  should  appoint  committees  to  be  so  in- 
corporated with  Monthly  meetings,  as  to  render  the 
needful  assistance  in  transacting  their  business,  and 
in  treating  with  offenders  in  order  to  their  right 
restoration ;  or  where  the  labor  is  ineffectual,  that 
judgment  may  be  placed  upon  them  in  the  author- 
ity of  Truth.  This  extension  of  aid  to  continue 
until  the  Quarterly  Meeting,  shall  j  adge  that  a  dif- 
ferent arrangement  is  requisite. — 1828. 

The  necessity  of  continually  maintaining  the  con- 
nection and  due  subordination  of  meetings,  having 
always  with  much  solicitude  and  care  been  en- 
joined as  indispensably  obligatory  upon  all  our 
members  in  their  several  places  and  stations ;  it  is 
therefore  the  concern  of  this  meeting  renewedly  to 
declare,  that  it  is  repugnant  to  the  harmony  and 
subversive  of  the  order  of  our  religious  Society,  for 
any  Preparative  or  ^Monthly  Meeting  to  assume  any 
right  or  to  attempt  to  dissolve  its  connection  with 
its  respective  Monthly  or  Quarterly  Meeting  to 
which  it  has  regularly  belonged.    Ko  Preparative 


48 


DISCIPLINE. 


Meeting  can  therefore  transfer  its  subjection  or  join 
itself  to  any  other  Monthly  Meeting,  nor  any 
Monthly  Meeting  to  any  other  Quarterly  Meeting, 
than  those  of  which  they  are  a  constituent  part : 
but  if  at  any  time  it  should  be  evident,  that  it 
would  be  more  convenient,  or  tend  to  the  promo- 
tion  of  the  cause  of  Truth,  for  the  members  of  any 
Preparative  Meeting  to  become  a  branch  of  any 
other  Monthly  Meeting ;  or  a  Monthly  Meeting  to 
be  placed  under  the  care  and  jurisdiction  of  a  differ- 
ent Quarterly  Meeting  than  the  one  they  belong  to  ; 
the  said  Preparative  or  Monthly  Meeting  so  situated, 
is  to  make  application  to,  and  by  minute  of  the 
Monthly  Meeting,  clearly  ^represent  the  case  to  its 
respective  Quarterly  Meeting,  and  if  there  approved, 
the  said  Preparative  Meeting  may  be  transferred  to 
such  Monthly  Meeting  as  may  be  designated,  within 
the  limits  of  the  said  Quarter ;  but  if  the  proposal 
of  either  a  Preparative  or  Monthly  Meeting  extends 
to,  and  is  comprehended  within  the  limits  of  a  dif- 
ferent Quarterly  Meeting,  the  Quarterly  Meeting 
where  those  subordinate  meetings  belong,  after  care- 
fully considering  the  said  application,  and  concur- 
ring therewith,  is  to  consult  the  Quarterly  Meeting 
proposed  to  be  united  to,  and  when  it  is  there  also 
approved,  the  contemplated  change  and  junction 
may  be  finally  settled.  — 1834. 

'No  Meeting  for  worship,  intended  to  consist  of 
Friends  belonging  to  two  or  more  Monthly  meet- 
ings, shall  be  set  up,  until  the  proposal  be  offered 


DISCIPLINE. 


49 


to  and  approved  by  both  those  Monthly  meetings, 
and  the  consent  of  their  respective  Quarterly  Meet- 
ing or  meetings  be  obtained:  when  the  meeting 
proposed  is  opened,  it  should  be  attended  by  a  few 
Bolid  Friends,  deputed  by  each  of  the  said  Monthly 
meetings.  And  if  at  any  time  it  is  thought  expe- 
dient, that  a  Preparative  Meeting  should  be  held  at 
the  same  place,  the  consent  of  the  said  Monthly  and 
Quarterly  meetings  should  be,  in  like  manner,  ap- 
plied for  and  obtained ;  and  the  said  Preparative 
Meeting  should  be  annexed  to  either  one  or  the 
other  of  those  Monthly  meetings,  as  may  be  most 
likely  to  conduce  to  the  benefit  of  the  individuals 
who  compose  it,  and  the  advantage  of  society.  — 
1806. 

It  is  directed,  that  a  book  be  provided  by  every 
Monthly  and  Quarterly  Meeting,  and  fair  minutes 
be  kept  therein,  of  all  matters  which  shall  come 
before  and  be  determined  by  them.  Monthly  meet- 
ings, particularly,  are  advised  to  attend  to  and  fin- 
ish all  such  business  with  care  and  dispatch,  that 
it  may  at  no  time  snfier  by  improper  delay.  And, 
if  any  case  under  consideration  proves  too  weighty 
or  difficult  for  them  to  determine,  they  should  ap- 
ply to  their  respective  Quarterly  meetings  for  assist- 
ance ;  or  if  the  circumstances  are  such  as  to  require 
it,  refer  it  thereto  by  minute.  — 1719. 

It  is  the  sense  of  this  Meeting,  as  a  general  rule 

in  all  cases,  that  where  any  Monthly  or  Quarterly 

Meeting  has  occasion  for,  and  requests  copies  of  any 
5 


50 


DISCIPLINE. 


of  the  papers,  minutes  or  records  of  another  Monthly 
or  Quarterly  Meeting,  the  same  may  accordingly  be 
granted.— 1705,  1719. 

Where  any  difference  happens  among  Friends, 
and  the  same  be  entered  in  any  Monthly  or  Quar- 
•terly  Meeting  book,  it  is  agreed,  that  if  the  parties, 
or  either  of  them,  think  that  copies  of  such  entries 
may  be  useful  and  necessary  for  them,  and  request 
the  same,  such  Monthly  and  Quarterly  meetings 
shall  have  a  discretional  power  to  give  or  refuse 
such  copies,  according  to  the  circumstances  and 
motives  attending.  — 1710. 

It  is  agreed  that  at  least  two  men  and  two 
women  Friends  be  appointed  in  each  of  their  re- 
spective Monthly  meetings,  as  representatives  to 
attend  the  service  of  the  Quarterly  Meeting,  with 
such  reports  in  writing,  signed  by  their  clerks,  as 
may  be  given  them  in  charge :  also,  that  each  Quar- 
terly Meeting  appoint  a  suitable  number  of  judi- 
cious Friends  as  its  representatives,  which  are  not 
to  amount  to  more  than  would  be  in  the  proportion 
of  three  of  each  sex  to  each  Monthly  Meeting ;  to  at- 
tend the  Yearly  Meeting  with  the  reports  and  such 
other  written  documents  as  may  be  spec  ally  con- 
fided to  their  care.  — 1719,  1834. 

It  is  earnestly  advised  and  desired,  that  all 
Friends  who  submit  to  these,  or  any  other  services 
of  Society,  may  be  punctual  in  their  attendance 
thereon  ;  or,  if  prevented  by  sickness,  or  any  other 
unavoidable  occurrence,  that  they  be  careful  to  send 


DISCIPLINE. 


51 


information  thereof;  also,  that  those  who  are  under 
appointments  to  meetings,  do  not  withdraw  there- 
from before  the  conclusion,  without  obtaining  the 
meeting's  consent.  — 1719. 

When  proposals  of  marriage  are  made,  if  any 
near  relations  of  the  parties  (who  are  not  in  mem- 
bership) are  permitted  to  be  present,  they  should 
withdraw  before  the  meeting  proceeds  to  any  other 
business.  — 1755. 

If  a  member  under  dealing  removes  into  the  com- 
pass of  another  Monthly  Meeting  ;  or,  if  previous  to 
or  after  such  removal,  the  conduct  of  him  or  her  has 
been  such  as  to  require  their  being  dealt  with — and 
their  residence  be  at  so  great  a  distance  as  to  render 
it  inconvenient  for  the  Monthly  Meeting  to  which 
they  belong,  it  should  by  minute  request  that  into 
which  they  are  removed,  to  treat  with  them  ac- 
cording to  our  rules,  and  to  report  the  effect  of  its 
care ;  when,  if  it  is  satisfactory,  the  party  should 
be  recommended  by  certificate  ;  or  if  otherwise,  and 
a  testimony  of  denial  is  issued,  a  copy  thereof  should 
be  sent  to  the  Monthly  Meeting  within  the  limits 
of  which  he  or  she  resides,  and  that  meeting  is  to 
appoint  two  or  more  Friends  to  give  them  a  copy 
of  the  said  testimony,  and  inform  them  of  their 
right  of  appeal.  — 1806. 

If  the  individual  is  a  female,  the  women's 
Monthly  Meeting  is  by  minute  to  transmit  to  the 
Monthly  Meeting  of  women  Friends  within  the 
limits  of  which  the  person  resides,  clear  informa- 


52 


DISCIPLINE. 


lion  of  the  state  of  tlie  case,  and  request  its  care  in 
dealing  with  her  on  their  helialf ;  and  when  the 
Monthly  Meeting  removed  from,  has  received  a 
repoit  of  the  effect  of  this  labor,  they  are  then  to 
give  due  information  thereof  to  their  respective 
men's  Monthly  Meeting,  in  order  that  the  business 
may  be  finished  as  before  directed.  — 1834. 

After  a  charge  against  a  member  is,  by  the  Pre- 
parative Meeting,  concluded  to  be  taken  to  the 
Monthly  Meeting,  he  or  she  should  not  be  per- 
mitted to  sit  in  any  of  our  meetings  for  Discipline, 
till  the  case  is  issued  to  the  satisfaction  of  the 
Monthly  Meeting.  — 1834. 

In  all  cases  thus  introduced  from  the  Preparative 
to  the  Monthly  Meeting,  a  committee  should  be  ap- 
pointed to  deal  with  the  offender,  in  order  to  the 
convincement  of  his  or  her  understanding  and  right 
restoration ;  and  if,  in  the  prosecution  of  the  ser- 
vice, it  should  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the  com- 
mittee, that  there  has  been  any  other  violation  of 
our  testimony  and  Discipline  than  is  stated  in  the 
minute  of  the  Preparative  Meeting,  they  should 
treat  with  the  individual  thereon,  and  make  report 
accordingly  to  the  next  succeeding  Monthly  Meet- 
ing, and  of  the  effect  of  their  labor:  their  report, 
or  the  substance  of  it,  is  then  to  be  entered  upon 
the  minutes,  and  if  a  ground  of  hope  is  furnished 
that  further  dealing  may  be  beneficial,  the  case 
should  be  continued;  but  whenever  the  meeting, 
after  deliberate,  weighty  consideration,  is  satisfied 


DISCIPLINE. 


53 


that  a  continued  extension  of  care  and  labor  wonld 
be  unavailing,  and  that  the  due  maintenance  of  the 
Discipline  requires  the  case  to  be  issued,  the  com- 
mittee, or  such  other  Friends  as  may  be  judged 
proper,  are  to  be  appointed  to  prepare  a  testimony 
of  disownment,  to  be  produced  at  the  next  Monthly 
Meeting  for  approbation ;  and  that  the  necessary 
care  be  taken  for  delivering  the  party  a  copy  of  the 
said  minute  or  testimony  of  disunion,  within  for- 
mation of  his  or  her  right  of  appeal.  — 1834. 

It  is' advised,  that  where  any  transgress  the  rules 
of  our  Discipline,  they  may,  without  partiality,  be 
admonished  and  sought  in  the  spirit  of  love  and 
divine  charity,  so  that  it  may  be  seen  by  all,  that 
the  restoring  spirit  of  meekness  and  Christian  love 
abounds,  before  church  censure  takes  place,  and 
that  a  Gospel  spirit  is  the  spring  and  motive  to  all 
our  performances,  as  well  in  Discipline  as  in  wor- 
ship.— 1746  to  1770.  And  in  all  cases  when  a 
minute  or  testimony  of  disunion  against  a  member 
has  been  produced  and  approved  in  a  Monthly 
Meeting,  endeavors  should  be  used  that  the  indi- 
vidual be  furnished  with  a  copy  thereof,  and  with 
notification  of  his  or  her  right  of  appeal.  — 1834. 

It  is  earnestly  recommended,  that  in  conducting 
the  aftairs  of  the  church,  we  ever  bear  in  mind, 
that  as  it  is  the  Lord's  work.  Friends  should  hum- 
bly and  reverently  endeavor  to  manage  then  in 
the  peaceable  spirit  and  wisdom  of  Jesus,  with  de- 
cency, forbearance,  and  love  to  each  other. 
6* 


64 


DISCIPLINE. 


As  to  the  riglits  of  cliildren,  wliose  parents  have 
been  married  contrary  to  the  rules  of  our  Discipline ; 
it  is  agreed  that  where  either  of  those  parents  re- 
main out  of  membership,  their  children  should  not 
be  esteemed  members,  till  application  for  their  ad- 
mission is  made  either  by  themselves,  or  by  their 
parent,  parents  or  guardians  on  their  behalf,  and 
the  Monthly  Meeting  applied  to,  on  a  solid  consid- 
eration of  the  case,  is  easy  to  admit  them,  or  any 
of  them.  — 1762, 1782. 

All  children  born  of  parents  who  have  been  mar- 
ried according  to  our  rules,  and  only  one  of  them 
afterwards  disowned  ;  and  such  children  as  are  born 
after  their  parents  have  both  become  members,  and 
only  one  of  them  subsequently  disowned,  are  to  be 
considered  as  in  membership  with  us ;  but  where 
persons  who  have  accomplished  their  marriage  in 
our  meetings  have  both  become  disowned,  their  oif- 
spring,  born  after  this  event,  are  not  to  be  consid- 
ered as  having  a  right  among  us,  unless  those 
parents  shall  have  become  reinstated,  and  both  be 
in  membership  at  the  time  of  the  birth  of  any  such 
child :  but  if  application  is  made  for  the  admission 
of  any  of  their  children,  the  Monthly  Meeting,  on 
solid  consideration  of  the  case,  feeling  easy  there- 
with, is  at  liberty  to  admit  them,  or  any  of  them. 
1762, 1806,  1834. 

If  any  member  of  our  religious  Society  shall  ap- 
pl}^  to  those  calleil  jugglers  or  fortune-tellers,  or 
those  who  by  color  of  any  art  or  skill  whatsoever, 


DISCIPLINE. 


55 


pretend  to  a  knowledge  of  future  events,  hidden 
transactions,  or  where  things  lost  or  stolen  may  he 
found  ;  or  if  any  of  our  members  shall  use,  or  pre- 
tend to  such  art  or  skill,  it  is  advised  that  they  he 
speedily  dealt  with  ;  and  if  they  do  not  manifest  a 
due  sense  of  their  evil  conduct,  and  condemn  the 
same,  that  they  be  testified  against.  — 1723. 

It  appearing  by  the  minutes  of  the  Meeting  for 
Sufferings,  that  on  inspection  of  some  of  the  ac- 
counts of  sufferings  sent  up  by  the  Quarterly  meet- 
ings, considerable  difiiculty  has  been  occasioned  by 
those  accounts  not  expressing,  with  sufficient  clear- 
ness, what  the  sufferings  mentioned  were  for  :  it  is 
now  desired,  that  the  Monthly  and  Quarterly  meet- 
ings may  in  future  leave  out  of  their  reports,  any 
instances  which  do  not  appear  to  be  clearly  consistent 
with  the  sense  of  this  Yearly  Meeting ;  and  that  they 
continue  to  collect  and  send  up  their  accounts  of 
sufferings  annually  as  heretofore  directed.  — 1784. 

A  committee  should  be  annually  appointed  in  each 
of  our  Quarterly  and  Monthly  meetings,  for  the  nom- 
ination of  clerks  ;  which  may  afford  opportunity  for 
their  being  seasonably  changed,  and  more  of  our 
qualified  members  exercised  in  those  services. —  179G. 

The  love,  power,  and  peaceable  spirit  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  being  the  alone  true  authority  of  all 
our  meetings,  it  is  the  fervent  concern  of  this  meet- 
ing, that  they  may  be  held  under  the  sense  and  in- 
fluence of  that  holy  unction.  We  affectionately 
recommend,  that  in  making  appointments  in  meet- 


56 


DISCIPLINE. 


ings  for  Discipline,  care  may  be  taken  to  judge  of 
tlie  qualifications  of  those  who  are  employed  in  the 
church. 

The  more  we  experience  a  preparation  of  heart 
for  the  exercise  of  our  respective  gifts,  the  more 
amply  shall  we  evince  the  expression  of  the  tongue 
to  be  seasoned  with  that  living  virtue  and  divine 
power,  which  proceeds  from  our  Holy  Head ;  and 
thus  in  conducting  the  important  concerns  of  Soci- 
ety, we  shall  be  enabled  to  example  the  beloved 
youth  in  a  manner  which  will  demonstrate  to  them, 
that  neither  tradition  nor  a  mere  outward  educa- 
tion, can  fitly  prepare  them  for  successors  in  the 
church  of  Christ. 

In  some  places  there  may  have  been  a  want  of 
care,  rightly  to  distinguish  and  seasonably  to  bring 
into  action,  the  talents  bestowed  upon  some  in  the 
early  stage  of  life ;  but  we  believe,  that  many  who 
were  evidently  under  the  forming  hand,  have  been 
suddenly  laid  hold  of,  and  introduced  into  service, 
before  that  preparation  of  heart  hath  been  sufii- 
ciently  experienced,  which  leads  to  a  reliance  upon 
Divine  direction,  and  redeems  from  a  confidence  in 
the  natural  understanding :  it  is  therefore  desired, 
that  by  a  just  discrimination  of  times  and  seasons, 
and  of  the  qualifications  bestowed,  every  gift  may 
be  rightlj-  exercised,  and  a  succession  of  useful 
members  jTCserved  in  every  rank  in  the  church. 

We  are  concerned  that  the  management  of  our 
Christian  Discipline  be  not  committed  to  hands 


DISCIPLINE. 


57 


unclean  ;  particularly  of  sucli  who  allow  or  connive 
at  undue  liberties  in  their  own  children  or  families. 
"  If  a  man,"  said  the  Apostle,  "  know  not  how  to 
rule  his  own  house,  how  shall  he  take  care  of  the 
church  of  God?"— 1795. 

Dear  Friends,  be  patient  in  the  exercise  of  your 
gifts  and  services,  and  take  no  offence  at  any  time^ 
because  what  seems  to  be  clear  to  you  is  not  pres- 
ently received  by  others  ;  let  all  things  in  the 
church  be  propounded  with  an  awful  reverence  of 
Him  that  is  the  head  and  life  of  it ;  who  said, 
"  Where  two  or  three  are  gathered  together  in  my 
name,  there  am  I  in  the  midst  of  them."  There- 
fore, let  all  beware  of  their  own  spirits  and  keep 
in  a  gracious  temper,  that  so  they  may  be  fitted  for 
the  service  of  the  house  of  God,  whose  house  we 
are,  if  we  keep  upon  the  foundation  that  God  hath 
laid  ;  and  such  He  will  build  up,  and  teach  how  to 
build  up  one  another  in  Him.  And  as  every  mem- 
ber must  feel  life  in  himself,  and  all  from  one  Head, 
this  life  will  not  hurt  itself  in  any,  but  be  tender  of 
itself  in  all ;  for  by  this  one  life  of  the  Word,  ye  were 
begotten,  and  by  it  ye  are  nourished  and  made  to 
grow  into  your  several  services  in  the  church  of  God. 
It  is  no  man's  learning,  nor  artificial  acquirements ; 
it  is  no  man's  riches,  nor  greatness  in  this  world  ;  it 
is  no  man's  eloquence  nor  natural  wisdom,  that 
makes  him  fit  for  government  in  the  church  of 
Christ :  all  his  endowments  must  be  seasoned  with 
the  heavenly  salt,  his  spirit  be  subjected,  and  his 


58 


DISCIPLINE. 


gifts  pass  througli  the  fire  of  God's  altar,  a  sacrifice 
to  His  praise  and  honor,  that  so  self  being  baptized 
into  death,  the  gifts  rnay  be  used  in  the  power  of 
the  resurrection  of  the  life  of  Jesus  in  him. 

As  the  use  and  design  of  Preparative  meetings 
is  in  general  to  digest  and  prepare  business  as  occa- 
sion may  require,  which  may  be  proper  to  be  laid 
before  the  Monthly  Meeting,  Friends  should  be 
careful  therein,  not  to  occasion  unnecessary  delays, 
or  undertake  to  decide  on  any  business  which 
claims  attention  and  care  in  Monthly  meetings. 
When  cases  are  agreed  to  be  carried  forward,  they 
should  be  entered  in  writing,  and  some  suitable 
Friend  or  Friends  named  to  produce  them  to  the 
Monthly  meetings ;  and  such  notes  thereof  should 
be  carefully  preserved  by  clerks  of  Preparative 
meetings,  as  to  said  meetings  may  appear  useful 
and  right.  But  no  Preparative  Meeting  shall  take 
cognizance  of  proposals  of  marriage,  this  being 
exclusively  the  business  of  Monthly  meetings. — 
1796. 

We  believe  there  are  seasons  wherein  the  Master, 
were  we  sufficiently  watchful  for  his  coming,  would 
bring  Monthly  Meetings  under  a  right  concern  to 
seek  the  wanderers,  and  endeavor  to  draw  them 
from  an  inordinate  love  and  pursuit  of  the  world, 
to  sit  down  with  their  friends  to  worship  the  God 
of  their  lives,  in  spirit  and  in  truth.  In  this  way 
those  who  water  should  be  watered  themselves,  and 


DISCIPLINE. 


69 


a  united  travail  for  the  Lord's  honor,  and  the  growth 
of  the  church  in  the  life  and  power  of  godliness, 
would  more  abound  in  our  borders. — 1859. 

In  all  cases  of  the  descendants  of  those  who  sep- 
arated from  our  religious  Society  in  the  year  1827, 
who  have  not  been  dealt  with  and  disowned,  and 
who  do  not  attend  our  religious  meetings,  it  shall 
be  a  sufficient  discharge  of  the  duty  of  the  Monthly 
Meeting  to  which  they  belong,  in  treating  with  them, 
to  give  to  each  one  information  of  his  or  her  exist- 
ing right  of  membership,  and  that  if  they  desire  to 
retain  such  right,  and  intend  renewing  their  con- 
nection with  the  Society,  by  attending  its  meetings, 
they  must  so  inform  the  Monthly  Meeting,  or  its 
overseers,  within  one  year  from  the  date  of  the  in- 
formation thus  furnished  them. 

In  the  event  of  any  such  person  so  notified,  not 
giving  the  Monthly  Meeting  or  its  overseers,  the  in- 
formation required  within  the  time  specified^  the 
Monthly  Meeting,  (if  it  feel  itself  clear  in  the  case,) 
may  make  a  record  of  the  facts,  and  that  such  indi- 
vidual has  thus  forfeited  all  claim  ta  a  right  of 
membership  in  the  religious  Society  of  Friends. 

Where  the  residence  of  any  of  the  descendants 
of  those  who  separated  from  our  religious  Society 
in  1827,  is  unknown,  and  from  this,  or  any  other 
circumstance,  such  have  passed  out  of  the  knowl- 
edge of  the  Friends  of  the  Monthly  Meeting  to 
which  they  belong,  and  the  Overseers  of  the  Meet- 
ing find  it  very  difficult  or  impracticable  to  commu- 


60 


DISCIPLINE. 


nicate  with  them,  they  may  represent  the  case  to 
the  Monthly  Meeting,  which,  at  its  discretion,  may 
either  appoint  a  committee  to  give  further  attention 
to  the  case,  or  make  a  minute  reciting  the  circum- 
stances, and  declaring  that  the  individual  no  longer 
retains  a  right  of  membership  in  our  religious  So- 
ciety. 

Should  any  person  thus  ceasing  to  be  a  member 
of  our  Religious  Society,  afterwards  apply  to  the 
Monthly  Meeting  of  which  he  or  she  had  been  a 
member  to  be  received  into  membership,  and  the 
meeting  after  careful  inquiry,  believe  him  or  her 
to  be  prepared  for  religious  fellowship  with  Friends, 
he  or  she  may  be  received  into  the  Society  without 
any  acknowledgment  being  required  for  former  as- 
sociation as  a  member  with  those  who  separated  in 
1827. 

That  the  right  of  membership  in  our  religions 
Society,  acquired  by  birth,  shall  not  attach  to  the 
offspring  of  the  descendants  of  those  who  separated 
from  the  Society  in  1827,  born  after  the  present 
time,  unless  the  parents  of  such  shall  have  been 
reinstated. — 1869. 

When  the  parents  of  an  infant  are  members  of 
different  Monthly  Meetings  at  the  time  of  its  birth, 
the  child  is  to  be  recorded  as  a  member  of  the 
Monthly  Meeting  to  which  the  mother  then  be- 
longed.—1879. 


DO^^ATIO^TS,  BEQUESTS,  &c. 


EXECUTORS  and  trustees  coucerned  in  wills 
and  settlements,  are  advised  to  a  faithful  and 
punctual  discharge  of  their  respective  trusts,  ac- 
cording to  the  intent  of  the  donors  and  testators ; 
and  both  they  and  the  meetings  concerned  in  any 
charitable  gifts,  legacies,  or  bequests,  to  take  spe* 
cial  care  that  these  be  not  perverted  or  appropriated 
to  any  other  uses  than  such  as  the  donors  or  testa- 
tors have  directed  and  enjoined  by  legal  settlement, 
will,  or  testament.  — 1715, 1796. 


S  the  visiting  of  Friends  in  their  families  in  the 


openings  of  heavenly  -v^isdom,  is  a  service 
'which  hath  often  been  blessed  to  the  minds  of  the 
visitors  and  visited,  this  meeting  hath,  from  time 
to  time,  recommended  it  to  the  solid  attention  of 
Quarterly  and  Monthly  meetings  :  and  it  is  desired, 
that  concerns  of  this  nature  may  be  tenderly  cher- 
ished, and  those  who  are  rightly  exercised  therein, 
encouraged  to  move  forward  in  due  season,  and  in 
an  humble  .dependence  on  the  Shepherd  of  Israel, 
who  not  only  puts  his  own  forth,  but  goes  before 


FAMILY  VISITS. 


6 


61 


62 


GAMING  AND  DIVERSIONS. 


and  rewards  all  who  are  faithful  to  his  appoint- 
ments, with  the  enriching  reward  of  sweet  comfort 
and  solid  peace.— 1737,  1806. 

If  the  concern  of  a  Friend  to  visit  the  families 
of  a  Monthly  Meeting  of  which  he  or  she  is  not 
a  member,  be  laid  before  and  approved  by  the 
Monthly  Meeting  where  he  or  she  belongs,  and  a 
certificate  or  minute  thereof  be  granted,  he  or  she, 
previously  to  engaging  in  the  visit,  is  to  spread  the 
concern  before  the  Monthly  Meeting  whose  fami- 
lies are  proposed  to  be  visited;  and  when  the  con- 
currence thereof  is  also  obtained,  the  necessary  care 
should  be  extended  to  aid  him  or  her  in  the  per- 
formance thereof.  This  regulation  is  also  to  ex- 
tend to  such  Friends,  as  may  come  from  other  parts 
on  religious  visits,  to  meetings  within  the  limits  of 
this  Yearly  Meeting.  — 1834. 


S  our  time  passeth  swiftly  away,  and  our  de- 


light  ought  to  be  in  the  law  of  the  Lord,  it  is 
advised  that  a  watchful  care  be  exercised  over  our 
youth  and  others,  to  prevent  their  going  to  stage- 
plays,  horse-races,  music,  dancing,  or  any  such  vain 
sports  and  pastimes ;  and  being  concerned  in  lot- 
teries, wagering,  or  other  species  of  gaming. 

And  if  any  of  our  members  fall  into  either  of 


GAMING  AISTD  DIYERSIOl^S. 


GAMING  AND  DIVERSIONS. 


63 


tliese  practices,  and  are  not  prevailed  with  by  pri- 
vate labor  to  decline  them,  the  Monthly  meetings 
to  which  the  offenders  belong  should  be  informed 
thereof,  and,  if  they  be  not  reclaimed  by  further 
labor,  so  as  to  condemn  their  misconduct  to  the 
satisfaction  of  the  meeting,  it  should  proceed  to 
testify  our  disunity  with  them.  — 1716  to  1773. 

"We  would  renewedly  caution  all  our  members 
against  indulging  in  music,  or  having  instruments 
of  music  in  their  houses,  believing  that  the  practice 
tends  to  promote  a  light  and  vain  mind,  and  to  dis- 
qualify for  the  serious  thoughtfalness,  which  be- 
comes an  accountable  being,  hastening  to  his  final 
reckoning.  When  we  consider  that  our  days  pass 
swiftly  away,  and  that  our  time  is  one  of  the  talents 
committed  to  our  trust,  for  the  employment  of 
which  we  shall  have  to  render  an  account  in  the 
day  of  judgment,  it  becomes  us  to  be  living  as 
strangers  and  pilgrims  upon  earth,  seeking  a  better 
country,  and  to  be  diligently  using  it  for  the  great 
end  for  which  it  is  lent  to  us,  even  in  working  out 
the  soul's  salvation  in  fear  and  trembling,  and  not 
in  vain  amusements  or  corrupting  pleasures,  but 
striving  that  'whether  we  eat  or  drink,  or  whatso- 
ever we  do,  we  may  do  all  to  the  glory  of  God ; ' 
that  'God  in  all  things  may  be  glorified  by  us, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.'  " 

The  spirit  and  language  of  the  discipline  forbid 
the  use  of  music  by  Friends,  without  any  exception 
in  favor  of  that  called  sacred ;  and  in  order  to  pro- 


LAW. 


duce  harmonious  action  on  this  subject  throughout 
the  subordinate  meetings,  the  Yearly  Meeting  in- 
structs them,  that  those  members  who  indulge  in 
the  use  of  music,  or  who  have  musical  instruments 
in  their  houses,  bring  themselves  within  the  appli- 
cation of  this  second  clause  of  the  Discipline,  above 
referred  to,  viz. :  "And  if  any  of  our  members  fall 
into  either  of  these  practices,  and  are  not  prevailed 
with,  by  private  labor  to  decline  them,  the  Monthly 
Meetings  to  which  the  offenders  belong  should  be 
informed  thereof,  and  if  they  be  not  reclaimed  by 
further  labor,  so  as  to  condemn  their  misconduct  to 
the  satisfaction  of  the  meeting,  it  should  proceed  to 
testify  our  disunity  with  them." — 1873. 


LAW. 

IT  is  desired,  that  no  debtors  may  shelter  them- 
selves under  such  of  our  rules,  as  are  designed 
to  guard  us  against  an  unkind  treatment  of  each 
other,  unjustly  hoping  to  be  thereby  put  out  of  the 
reach  of  the  civil  authority.  — 1701. 

It  is  the  sense  of  this  meeting,  that  if  any  mem- 
ber thereof,  disregarding  the  Gospel  order  pre- 
scribed by  our  Discipline,  shall  arrest  or  sue  at  law 
another  member,  (not  being  under  such  a  necessity 
so  to  do,  as  may  satisfy  the  overseers  or  other  solid 
and  judicious  Friends  of  the  meeting  to  which  the 
latter  belongs,)  he  or  she  in  so  doing,  doth  depart 


LOVE  AXD  UNITY. 


65 


from  the  peaceable  principle  we  make  profession 
of;  and  if,  on  being  treated  with  by  the  Monthly 
Meeting  to  which  they  belong,  they  cannot  be  pre- 
vailed with  to  withdraw  the  suit  and  pay  the  costs 
thereof,  they  should  be  disowned.  — 1710,  1719. 


LOVE  AXD  UXITY. 

OUR  Lord  Jesus  Christ  graciously  instructed  his 
followers  in  the  necessity  of  a  strict  adherence 
to  his  sacred  precepts,  that  growing  up  into  Him  in 
all  things,  which  is  the  Head,  they  might  be  a  com- 
pact body,  edifying  itself  in  love.  "If  ye  keep  my 
commandments,  ye  shall  abide  in  my  love."  "This 
is  my  commandment,  that  ye  love  one  another,  as 
I  have  loved  you." — It  is  therefore  the  judgment 
of  this  meeting,  that  if  any  in  membership  with 
us  should  so  far  lose  the  sense  of  the  nature  and 
operation  of  Divine  love,  the  bond  of  Christian 
brotherhood,  as  to  foment,  encourage  or  promote 
division  or  separation  among  us,  or  seek  to  beguile 
and  draw  away  any  of  the  members  from  a  due 
subjection  to  the  salutary  order  and  Discipline  es- 
tablished in  our  religious  Society,  they  should  be 
speedily  treated  with  without  partiality,  in  order  for 
their  instruction  and  recovery  ;  and  if  they  are  not 
brought  to  such  a  sense  of  their  misconduct  as  to 
condemn  the  same,  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Month- 
ly Meeting,  they  should  be  testified  against. — 1834. 
6* 


66 


LOVE  AND  UNITY. 


It  is  advised,  that  where  there  is  any  appearance 
of  dissension  and  variance,  or  of  unkind  resentment 
and  shyness  among  our  memhers,  the  parties  be 
timely  and  tenderly  apprised  of  the  danger  to 
which  they  thereby  expose  both  themselves  and 
others,  and  earnestly  exhorted  to  mutual  condescen- 
sion and  forgiveness,  becoming  the  followers  of 
Christ.  And  if  any,  notwithstanding  such  en- 
deavors for  their  help,  continue  to  manifest  an 
implacable  enmity  to  others,  the  overseers,  or  other 
solid  Friends  of  the  Preparative  or  Monthly  Meet- 
ing they  belong  to,  should  be  informed  thereof, 
and  labor  further  with  them :  when,  if  they  still 
prove  inflexible,  they  ought  to  be  testified  against 
as  out  of  the  unity  of  the  Body — the  very  end  of 
whose  existence  is  the  promotion  of  peace  on  earth, 
and  good  will  amongst  men.  — 1719,  180f) 

We  apprehend  that  one  of  the  devices  by  which 
the  enemy  of  all  good  is  seeking  to  increase  the 
weakness  and  degeneracy  of  our  religious  Society, 
is  to  induce  us  to  substitute  a  superficial  unity  and 
an  exterior  appearance  of  love  and  kindness  for 
that  true  gospel  love  and  fellowship  into  which 
those  who  are  fruit-bearing  branches  in  Christ  are 
baptized  by  the  one  Eternal  Spirit;  and  to  set  us  at 
ease  in  this  state.  Thus  a  door  is  opened  for  de- 
partures from  our  Christian  principles  and  testimo- 
nies, and  the  blessed  standard  of  Truth  is  lowered. 
—  1850. 


MARRIAGES. 


UXITY  in  religious  belief  is  essential  to  the  full 
enjoyment  of  the  blessings  of  a  married  Ufe,  and 
to  that  unrestrained  confidence  and  sympathy  be- 
tween parents  and  their  children,  which  is  so  im- 
portant for  their  growth  and  settlement  in  the 
Truth.  We  believe  also  that  when  the  Head  of 
the  Church  led  our  forefathers  into  an  organization 
for  their  mutual  help  and  religious  fellowship,  He 
gave  them  to  see  that  this  sympathy  between  hus- 
band and  wife  in  religious  belief  and  practice  is 
highly  important  to  a  body  designed  to  uphold  not 
only  doctrines  more  spiritual  than  those  generally 
held  in  the  religious  w^orld,  but  also  the  life  which 
those  doctrines  call  for, —  a  life  of  faithful  obedi- 
ence, in  which  alone  a  belief  of  the  doctrines  them- 
selves can  be  livingly  retained  and  their  further  un- 
foldings  received. 

He  w^ho  is  ready  to  supply  all  our  needs  and 
enable  us  to  fulfil  his  purposes,  whose  watchful 
eye  is  ever  upon  his  Church  and  people,  looks  with 
tender  regard  upon  all  that  relates  to  the  marriage 
union.  He  turns  the  hearts  of  parents  to  their 
children  to  watch  over  their  associations  from  early 
life.  Those  who  will  listen  to  his  voice,  He  warns 
against  forming  unsuitable  intimacies.  He  gives 
the  encouraging  feeling  of  his  approval  where  the 
afifections  are  being  drawn  as  He  would  have  them 

67 


68 


MARRIAGES. 


to  be,  and  withholds  it  where  his  gracious  designs 
would  be  frustrated  by  the  connection;  and,  where 
He  sees  meet,  He  prepares  hearts  to  be  joined  in 
religious  fellowship  before  they  enter  upon  a  union 
in  marriage.  — 1881. 

It  is  advised  that  all  young  and  unmarried  people 
in  membership  with  us,  previously  to  their  mak- 
ing any  procedure  in  order  to  marriage,  do  seriously 
and  humbly  wait  upon  the  Lord  for  his  counsel 
and  direction  in  this  important  concern  ;  and  when 
favored  with  satisfactory  clearness  therein,  they 
should  early  acquaint  their  parents  or  guardians 
with  their  intentions,  and  wait  for  their  consent; 
thus  preservation  from  the  dangerous  bias  of  for- 
ward, brittle,  and  uncertain  affections  would  be 
experienced,  to  the  real  benefit  of  the  parties,  and 
the  comfort  of  their  friends.  And  it  is  earnestly 
recommended  to  Friends,  that  they  tenderly  and 
carefully  watch  over  the  youth,  and  extend  season- 
able caution  and  admonition," as  occasions  may  re- 
quire. — 1682. 

It  is  advised,  that  parents  exercise  a  religious 
care  in  watching  over  their  children,  and  in  endeav- 
oring to  guard  them  against  improper  connections 
in  marriage;  that  they  be  not  anxious  to  obtain 
for  them  large  portions  and  settlements,  but  that 
they  be  joined  with  persons  of  religious  inclinations, 
suitable  dispositions  and  diligence  in  their  business, 
which  are  more  necessary  to  a  comfortable  life  in  a 
married  state.  — 1723. 


MARRIAGES. 


69 


The  breaches  of  our  testimony  against  going 
from  amongst  us  in  the  weighty  engagement  of 
marriage,  being  often  for  want  of  an  early  care 
in  parents,  and  those  who  have  the  important 
charge  of  educating  the  youth  under  their  trust, 
early  to  admonish  and  instruct  them  in  the  princi- 
ples of  Truth,  and  to  impress  their  minds  with  the 
duty  of  religiously  observing  them  ;  as  much  as 
possible  restraining  them  from  such  company  as 
is  likel}"  to  entangle  their  affections  in  an  improper 
manner,  we  therefore  tenderly  advise  Friends  in 
all  quarters  to  an  increasing  care  over  the  youth, 
that  the  consistency  of  our  principles  in  all  respects 
with  the  nature  of  true  religion,  may  be  impressed 
on  their  tender  minds,  by  upright  examples,  as  well 
as  by  precepts ;  and  that  where  there  is  apparent 
danger  of  the  affections  of  any  being  improperly 
entangled,  and  the  care  of  parents  or  guardians,  or 
those  who  have  the  oversight  of  them,  appears  in- 
sufficient to  prevent  their  taking  imprudent  steps  in 
the  accomplishment  of  marriage,  that  timely  appli- 
cation be  made  for  the  help  of  their  friends.  — 1761. 

On  serious  consideration  concerning  marriages, 
this  meeting  being  tender  in  that  respect,  advises, 
that  no  misdemeanor  be  treasured  up  against  a 
person  until  the  time  of  presenting  marriage,  and 
then  started,  though  perhaps  long  before  known  to 
the  objector;  which  is  a  wrong  thing,  and  should 
be  cheeked  and  discouraged  in  all  meetings.  — 1712. 

It  is  the  judgment  of  this  meeting,  that  where 


70 


MARRIAGES. 


parents  or  guardians  have  approved  the  visits  or 
addresses  of  a  man  (a  member  of  our  relisfious 
Society)  to  any  of  their  children  or  those  under 
their  care,  that  they  do  not  retract  the  same,  with- 
out giving  such  reasons  as  shall  be  satisfactory  to 
the  Monthly  Meeting  whereto  they  belong.  — 1719. 

Marriage  being  an  ordinance  of  God,  He  alone 
can  rightly  join  man  and  woman  therein  ;  neither 
priest  nor  magistrate  is  requisite  to  its  accomplish- 
ment ;  and  as  we  shall  not  find  in  all  the  Scripture 
that  the  priest  had  any  part  therein  further  than  as 
a  witness  among  others  that  were  present,  we  can- 
not countenance  any  in  the  exercise  of  a  function 
which  is  no  part  of  the  office  of  a  Gospel  min- 
ister.—1881. 

Let  such,  of  our  members  be  admonished,  who 
keep  company,  in  order  for  marriage,  with  persons 
not  of  our  Society ;  or  with  any  bound  servants  or 
apprentices,  without  the  leave  of  their  masters  or 
mistresses ;  who  are  either  present  themselves, 
or  consent  to  their  children  being  present  at  mar- 
riages of  those  not  in  membership,  which  are  ac- 
complished by  the  assistance  of  a  priest.  And 
where  any  are  present  at  the  marriage  of  a  member, 
accomplished  either  by  the  official  interference  of  a 
priest,  or  in  any  other  way  out  of  our  comely  order, 
they  are  to  be  dealt  with,  and  where  they  are  not 
brought  to  a  sense  of  their  error,  let  them  be  testi- 
fied against.  — 1719. 

It  is  recommended  to  Monthly  meetings,  that 


MARRIAGES. 


71 


according  to  the  ancient  decent  practice  amongst 
Friends,  they  take  care  that  such  men  and  women 
Friends,  who  make  or  admit  of  proposals  of  mar- 
riage with  each  other,  do  not  dwell  in  the  same 
house,  from  the  time  that  they  begin  to  be  so  con- 
cerned, until  the  marriage  is  accomplished.  — 1714. 

All  single  persons,  being  about  to  marry  at  a  dis- 
tance from  home,  are  to  procure  certificates  from 
the  Monthly  Meeting  they  belong  to,  of  their  right 
of  membership  and  clearness  from  any  other  person 
in  respect  to  marriage,  and  also  obtain  the  consent 
of  their  parents  or  guardians  therein  ;  and  none 
are  to  be  permitted  to  join  themselves  in  marriage, 
until  such  certificates,  and  the  consent  of  their 
parents  or  guardians  thereto,  be  also  signified  in 
person,  or  by  writing,  where  it  is  practicable,  or 
may  be  reasonably  obtained.  — 1682. 

Advised,  that  marriages  be  not  accomplished  in 
or  immediately  after  any  of  our  Monthly  meetings, 
or  other  meetings  for  Discipline,  or  on  first  days. 
And  it  is  desired  that,  on  these  occasions,  Friends 
in  affluent  circumstances,  particularly,  may  be  care- 
ful to  set  a  becoming  and  encouraging  example  of 
moderation ;  and  that  all  may  avoid  unnecessarily 
expensive  entertainments  and  large  companies,  and 
especially  guard  against  inviting  such  as  guests 
who  are  unlikely  to  conform  to  the  order  of  our 
religious  Society. — 1716. 

For  the  accomplishment  of  marriage,  it  is  di- 
rected that  the  following  order  be  observed.  If 


72 


MARRIAGES. 


both  parties  belong  to  the  same  Monthly  Meeting, 
the  men's  and  women's  Monthly  meetings  should 
be  informed  of  their  intentions;  and  the  man  at 
a  proper  time  be  accompanied  into  the  women's 
meeting,  by  a  suitable  Friend  nominated  thereto 
— there  the  parties  are  tirst  to  declare,  that  "  With 
Divine  permission,  and  Friends'  approbation,  they 
intend  marriage  with  each  other," — whereupon, 
two  women  Friends  should  be  appointed  by  minute 
to  make  the  usual  inquiry  respecting  the  woman; 
and  then  proceeding  to  the  men's  meeting,  they 
should  repeat,  or  make,  the  same  declaration  there, 
and  two  men  Friends  be  in  like  manner  appointed 
to  inquire  concerning  the  man.  If  the  parties  have 
parents  or  guardians  present,  their  consent  should 
be  expressed,  or  if  absent,  the  same  should  be  sig- 
nified in  writing;  or,  if  the  man  is  a  member  of 
another  Monthly  Meeting,  the  consent  of  his  par- 
ents, if  he  have  any,  should  be  produced  in  writ- 
ing, either  then  or  at  the  next  meeting,  with  a 
certificate  from  his  Monthly  Meeting,  of  his  clear- 
ness from  other  like  engagements.  If  the  woman 
be  a  widow  having  children,  two  or  more  Friends 
should  be  appointed  in  the  meeting  of  which  she 
is  a  member,  to  see  that  the  rights  of  her  children 
are  legally  secured.  At  the  next  meeting,  if  the 
committees  report  that  careful  inquiry  has  been 
made,  and  no  obstruction  to  the  further  proceeding 
of  the  parties  appears,  the  meeting  is  to  leave  them 
at  liberty  to  accomplish  their  marriage  according 


MARRIAGES. 


73 


to  our  rules,  and  appoint  two  Friends  of  each  sex, 
to  attend  and  see  that  good  order  is  observed. 

Parties,  however,  intending  marriage  with  each 
other  may  either  appear  in  person  as  at  present 
provided  for  in  the  Discipline,  or,  if  they  prefer  to 
do  so,  may  inform  the  men's  and  women's  Monthly 
Meeting  of  which  the  woman  is  a  member,  of  such 
intentions  in  writing,  using  the  same  language  as 
is  directed  in  the  case  of  personal  appearance :  it 
being  advised  that  those  thus  bringing  their  pro- 
posals of  marriage  before  Friends  should  be  present 
at  the  Monthly  Meeting  following,  w^hen  the  de- 
cision of  the  meeting  in  the  case  is  recorded. 

It  is  further  advised  that  the  said  marriage  be 
accomplished  decently,  gravely,  and  weightily; 
and  that  the  parties  themselves,  their  parents,  and 
others  concerned,  do  take  care  at  the  houses  or 
places  where  they  go  after  the  meeting  is  over, 
that  no  reproach  arise,  or  occasion  of  offence  be 
given,  by  any  intemperate  or  immoderate  feasting 
or  drinking,  or  by  any  unseemly,  wanton,  or  rude 
discourses  or  actions;  but  that  all  behave  with 
such  sobriety  as  becomes  a  people  fearing  God; 
and  that  the  company  retire  to  their  homes  in 
seasonable  time.  And  if  anything  to  the  contrary 
is  observed,  the  overseers,  or  other  concerned 
Friends  present,  ought  as  speedily  as  they  con- 
veniently can,  to  take  such  aside  who  make  any 
breach  upon  good  order,  and  in  brotherly  love  ad- 
monish them  to  a  better  behavior ;  and  the  said 
7 


74 


M  AERIAGBS. 


overseers  are  to  make  report  to  the  next  Monthly 
Meeting,  whether  this  advice  concerning  decency 
and  order  be  observed,  and  take  care  that  the  mar- 
riage certificate  be  recorded. 

The  form  of  which  certificate  shall  be  as  follows : 

Whereas,  A.  B.  of  ,  in  the  county 

of  ,  in  ,  son  of 

C.  B.  of.  and  H.  his  wife; 

and  D,  E.  daughter  of  F.  E.  of  

and  M.  his  wife,  having  declared  their  intentions 
of  marriage  with  each  other,  before  a  Monthly 
Meeting  of  the  Religious  Society  of  Friends,  held 

at  ,  according  to  the 

good  order  used  among  them,  {where  the  parties  are 
under  the  care  of  parents  or  guardians^  add)  and 
having  consent  of  parents  or  guardians  concerned, 
{as  the  case  is,)  their  said  proposal  of  marriage 
was  allowed  of  by  the  said  meeting,  l^ow  these 
are  to  certify  whom  it  may  concern,  that  for  the 
full  accomplishment  of  their  said  intentions,  this 

 day  of  the   month,  in  the  year 

of  our  Lord  ,  they,  the  said  A.  B. 

and  D.  E.  appeared  in  public  meeting  of  the  said 

people,  held  at  aforesaid;  and  the 

said  A.  B.  taking  the  said  D.  E.  by  the  hand,  did, 
on  this  solemn  occasion,  openly  declare,  that  he 
took  her,  the  said  D.  E.  to  be  his  wife,  promising, 
with  Divine  assistance,  to  be  unto  her  a  loving  and 
faithful  husband  until  death  shall  separate  them; 
and  then,  in  the  same  assembly,  the  said  D.  E.  did 


MARRIAGES. 


76 


in  like  manner  declare,  that  she  took  him,  the  said 
A.  B.,  to  be  her  husband,  promising,  with  Divine 
assistance,  to  be  unto  him  a  loving  and  faithful 
wife,  until  death  shall  separate  them.  And  more- 
over, they,  the  said  A.  B.  and  D.  E.  (she  according 
to  the  custom  of  marriage,  assuming  the  name  of 
her  husband),  did,  as  a  further  confirmation  thereof, 
then  and  there  to  these  presents  set  their  hands. 

And  we  whose  names  are  also  hereunto  sub- 
scribed, being  present  at  the  solemnization  of 
the  said  marriage  and  subscription,  have,  as  wit- 
nesses thereto,  set  our  hands  the  day  and  year 
above  written.  A.  B. 

D.  B. 
1721,  1881. 

That  the  marriage  of  persons  too  near  akin  may, 
as  much  as  in  us  lies,  be  prevented,  this  meeting 
concludes,  that  no  marriage  between  first  cousins 
shall  be  permitted  among  us ;  and  that,  where  any 
person  or  persons  so  circumstanced  shall  inter- 
marry, their  so  doing  shall  be  considered  as  a  re- 
linquishment of  their  connection  with  the  Society, 
and  they  be  accordingly  disowned  by  the  Monthly 
meetings  of  which  they  are  members.  And  it  is 
further  concluded,  that,  if  any  such  persons  shall 
afterwards  apply  to  the  Monthly  Meeting  which 
disowned  him  or  her,  for  reinstatement,  the  said 
meeting  is  not  to  accede  to  the  proposal,  until 


76 


MARRIAGES. 


the  case  be  represented  to  the  Quarterly  Meeting, 
and  its  consent  and  approbation  obtained,  after  be- 
ing well  assured  that  the  parties  are  brought  to  a 
due  sense  of  their  transgression,  manifested  by  up- 
rightness of  life  and  conversation. — 1721. 

The  term  first  cousins^  fully  applies  to  every  de- 
scription of  grand-children  descended  from  one  com- 
mon parent.  — 1807. 

]^o  Monthly  Meeting  should  permit  any  mar- 
riages to  be  proposed  in  the  said  meeting,  sooner 
than  a  year  after  the  death  of  husband  or  wife.  — 
1749. 

It  is  the  sense  of  tliis  meeting  that  if  any  of  our 
members  do  join  in  marriage  with  such  as  are  not 
in  membership  with  us,  or  marry  in  any  other  way 
than  with  the  consent  and  approbation  of  the 
Monthly  Meeting,  they  should  be  dealt  with  in  the 
spirit  of  Christian  love  and  tenderness,  agreeably 
with  our  Discipline,  in  order  to  restore  them  and 
bring  them  into  true  unity  and  fellowship  with 
Friends;  but  where,  after  patient  waiting,  this 
labor  of  love  has  not  its  desired  eifect,  the  Monthly 
Meeting  should,  testify  against  and  disown  them. — 
1702-21,  1881. 

The  too  ready  acceptance  of  papers  of  acknowl- 
edgment from  such  persons  who  have  accom- 
plished their  marriages  out  of  the  order  of  Society, 
being  of  injurious  consequence,  and  a  cause  of  much 
concern  and  exercise  to  this  meeting,  it  is  earnestly 
recommended  to  Monthly  Meetings,  that  they 


MARRIAGES. 


be  careful  speedily  to  proceed  to  put  the  rules  of 
our  Discipline  in  practice  against  such  offenders : 
and  when  papers  of  acknowledgment  and  con- 
demnation are  offered,  such  meetings  should  be  well 
assured  that  they  proceed  from  a  true  ground  of 
sincerity  and  conviction  in  the  party,  manifested 
by  a  consistency  in  life  and  conversation.  — 1762. 

When  any  of  our  members  have  married  those 
not  of  our  religious  profession  and  are  brought  to 
feel  the  value  of  association  in  a  religious  society 
who  practically  believe  in  immediate  Divine  guid- 
ance both  in  individual  life  and  in  the  affairs  of 
the  Church,  and  are  so  convinced  of  and  attached 
to  the  doctrines  and  testimonies  to  which  faithful 
Friends  have  thereby  been  led  as  to  be  made  will- 
ing to  bear  their  part  in  upholding  them ;  such  may 
then  be  retained  in  or  restored  to  membership  by 
offering  a  suitable  acknowledgment  to  the  Monthly 
Meeting.  And  when  papers  of  acknowledgment 
to  this  end  are  offered,  in  consideration  of  the  sa- 
credness  of  the  marriage  covenant,  and  from  a 
tender  regard  for  the  right  feelings  of  the  parties, 
such  papers  should  not  be  required  to  express  regret 
for  the  marriage  connection  itself,  personally  con- 
sidered.—1881. 

Monthly  Meetings  are  authorized  to  give  forth 
testimonies  of  denial  against  such  of  their  mem- 
bers, who  consent  to,  connive  at,  or  encourage  the 
marriage  of  their  children,  or  those  under  their 
care  (members  of  our  religious  Society)  contrary  to 


766 


MEETING  HOUSES. 


the  good  order  established  amongst  us;  if,  after 
Christian  and  brotherly  labor  with  them,  thej  are 
not  brought  to  a  due  sense  of  their  error,  and  a 
satisfactory  acknowledgment  of  the  same.  — 1792. 

If  any  of  our  members  should  attend  the  meet- 
ings of  those  who  have  separated  from  us,  and  who 
have  set  up  meetings  contrary  to  the  order  and 
Discipline  of  our  religious  Society;  or  should  at- 
tend any  of  the  marriages  accomplished  among  the 
said  people,  or  sign  the  certificates  issued  on  those 
occasions ;  as  it  is  giving  countenance  to,  and  ac- 
knowledging those  meetings,  as  though  they  were 
the  meetings  of  Friends,  this  meeting  declares  that 
such  conduct  is  of  evil  tendency,  and  repugnant  to 
the  harmony  and  well-being  of  our  religious  Society ; 
and  where  such  instances  occur,  Friends  are  desired 
to  extend  brotherly  care  and  labor,  that  the  indi- 
viduals may  be  instructed  and  reclaimed;  and  ifj 
those  endeavors  prove  ineffectual,  Monthly  meet- 
ings should  testify  against  them.  — 1833. 


MEETma  HOUSES. 

IT  is  recommended  to  Quarterly  and  Monthly 
Meetings,  frequently  to  inspect  the  titles  of 
meeting  houses,  burial  grounds,  and  other  estates 
which  have  been  vested  in  trustees,  and  by  them 


MEETING  HOUSES. 


held  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  the  Society  at  large, 
or  of  any  of  those  meetings ;  so  that  if  it  should 
appear  needful  by  the  death  of  any  such  trustees  or 
otherwise,  due  and  seasonable  care  may  be  taken 
to  appoint  some  others  to  the  trust;  whereby  fu- 
ture difficulties,  and  the  risk  of  being  deprived  of 
such  estates,  may  be  avoided. 

And  it  is  further  recommended,  that  Quarterly 
and  Monthly  Meetings  respectively,  as  the  case  may 
require,  keep  exact  records  of  all  such  trusts  and 
conveyances ;  also,  that  a  clear  and  regular  account 
be  kept  by  each  respective  meeting,  of  the  place 
where,  and  the  persons  with  whom  the  papers, 
minutes  and  records  belonging  to  our  religious  So- 
ciety, are  from  time  to  time  deposited ;  wherein 
due  care  should  be  taken  to  lodge  them  with  suit- 
able Friends.  — 1796. 


IMEETma  FOR  SUFFERIlSraS. 


I'R  order  that  this  Yearly  Meeting,  with  its 
several  branches,  might  be  properly  represent  ed 
in  the  intervals  thereof,  on  emergent  occasions,  a 
meeting  was  instituted  in  the  year  1756,  by  the  name 
of  the  "Meeting  for  Sufi'erings:"  which  it  was 
agreed  should  consist  of  twelve  Friends  appointed  by 
the  Yearly  Meeting  (living  in  or  near  Philadelphia, 
for  the  convenience  of  getting  soon  together),  and 
also  of  four  Friends  chosen  by  each  of  the  Quarterly 
Meetings;  who  were  directed  to  meet  together  in 
Philadelphia  forthw^ith,  for  the  regulation  of  its 
future  meetings ;  which  are  subject  to  the  follow- 
ing rules : 

First.  The  said  meeting  shall  keep  fair  min- 
utes of  all  its  proceedings,  and  annually  lay  them 
before  the  Yearly  Meeting. 

Second,  less  number  than  twelve  of  the 
members  attending,  shall  constitute  a  meeting  ca- 
pable of  transacting  any  business. 

Third,  On  all  occasions  of  uncommon  impor- 
tance, previous  notice  thereof  shall  be  given  or  sent 
to  all  the  members. 

Fourth.  In  case  of  the  decease  of  any  Friend  or 
Friends,  appointed  either  by  the  Yearly  Meeting  or 
Quarterly  Meetings,  or  of  their  declining  or  neglect- 
ing their  attendance  for  the  space  of  twelve  months, 
the  Meeting  for  Sufferings  (if  it  be  thought  expe- 

77 


78 


MEETING  FOR  SUFFERINGS. 


dient)  may  choose  others  in  his  or  their  stead,  to 
serve  to  the  time  of  the  next  Yearly  Meeting,  or 
till  the  places  of  those  who  have  represented  the 
Quarterly  Meetings,  shall  he  supplied  by  new  ap- 
pointments. 

As  a  change  in  the  representation  of  the  Quar- 
terly Meetings  is  not  contemplated,  except  in  the 
instances  stated  in  this  rule,  it  is  therefore  affec- 
tionately desired  that  Quarterly  Meetings  may  be 
weighty  in  their  consideration  and  appointments, 
that  hence,  such  Friends  may  be  selected,  who,  by 
a  steady  adherence  to  our  Christian  principles  and 
testimonies,  have  become  in  good  degree  qualified 
to  fulfil  the  services  which  devolve  on  this  impor- 
tant station.  — 1834. 

Fifth.  The  said  meeting  may  sit  on  its  own 
adjournments,  and  order  these,  as  well  as  the  times 
of  its  stated  meetings,  (if  these  do  not  exceed  three 
months,)  according  to  the  business  before  them. 

Sixth.  The  said  meeting  is  not  to  meddle  with 
any  matter  of  faith  or  discipline,  which  has  not 
been  determined  by  the  Yearly  Meeting. 

The  further  services  confided  to  the  said  Meet- 
ing for  Sufferings,  are : 

First.  In  general  to  represent  this  Yearly  Meet- 
ing, and  to  appear  on  its  behalf  in  all  cases  where 
the  cause  of  Truth,  or  the  interest  or  reputation  of 
our  religious  Society,  may  render  it  needful. 

Second.  To  take  the  oversight  and  inspection 
of  all  writings  proposed  to  be  printed  relative  to 


MEETING  FOR  SUFFERINGS. 


79 


our  religious  principles  or  testimonies  ;  and  to  pro- 
mote or  suppress  the  same  at  their  discretion ;  also 
to  print  and  distribute  any  writings  already  pub- 
lished by  the  Society,  or  which  may  be  offered  for 
inspection  as  aforesaid,  and  approved. 

Third.  To  inspect  and  explain  titles  to  land, 
or  other  estate,  belonging  to  any  of  our  meetings ; 
also,  charitable  legacies  and  donations  ;  and  to  give 
such  advice  respecting  the  same  as  may  appear  to 
be  necessary. 

Fourth.  To  receive  from  the  several  Quarterly 
Meetings  their  annual  accounts  of  sufferings,  and 
also  such  memorials  concerning  deceased  Friends, 
as  those  meetings  may  have  concurred  with:  that 
when  examined  and  approved,  they  may  be  laid 
before  the  Yearly  Meeting. 

Fifth.  To  extend  such  advice  and  assistance  to 
any  individuals  under  sufferings  for  our  testimo- 
nies, as  their  cases  may  require  ;  and,  if  necessary, 
to  apply  to  the  Government,  or  persons  in  authority, 
on  their  behalf. 

Sixth.  To  correspond  with  the  Meeting  for 
Sufferings  in  London  or  elsewhere,  on  the  common 
concerns  of  the  Society. 

On  solid  consideration  it  is  agreed,  that,  though 
none  are  properly  members  of  the  Meeting  for  Suf- 
ferings, but  such  who  are  appointed  by  this  Yearly 
Meeting,  or  by  the  several  Quarterly  Meetings ;  yet, 
that  approved  ministers,  and  members  of  any  other 
Meeting  for  Sufferings  corresponding  with  this,  be 


80 


MEETINGS  FOR  WORSHIP. 


permitted  to  attend  wlien  inclined  so  to  do. — • 
1796. 

Accounts  of  sufferings  to  be  forwarded  to  the 
Meeting  for  Sufferings,  are  to  be  preserved  and  re- 
corded agreeably  to  tbe  practice  of  our  ancient 
Friends ,  reciting  tbe  sums  demanded,  tbe  kind  and 
amount  of  property  taken,  by  whom  tbe  dis- 
traints were  made,  and  tbe  authority  under  which 
the  officers  acted.  — 1807. 


MEETIISrGS  FOR  WORSHIP. 

DEAR  Friends,  keep  all  your  meetings  in  the 
authority,  wisdom  and  power  of  Truth,  and 
unity  of  the  blessed  Spirit ;  and  the  God  of  peace 
be  with  you.  And  it  is  advised,  that  such  as 
come  late  to  meeting,  or  when  there,  fall  asleep,  or 
are  restless,  or  do  not  stay  in  the  meeting,  but  go 
forth  unnecessarily,  or  otherwise  demean  them- 
selves unbecoming  our  holy  profession  on  those 
solemn  occasions,  be  tenderly  and  seasonably  ad- 
monished.—1694,  1695. 

We  exhort  all  to  a  Christian  exercise  and  zeal 
for  the  performance  of  worship  to  Almighty  God ; 
and  as  we  are  not  capable  in  our  own  strength  to 
perform  this  great  duty,  we  recommend  to  a  dili- 
gent waiting  in  true  silence  and  retirement  of  mind, 
for  the  renewed  sense  of  the  inward  power  and  vir- 


MEETINGS  FOR  WORSHIP. 


81 


tue  of  his  Spirit,  whereby  alone  we  can  he  qualified 
to  worship  Him  in  an  acceptable  manner.  Let  our 
faithfulness  and  sincerity  herein  appear,  by  the 
humility,  meekness  and  circumspection  of  our  lives 
and  conversation,  adorning  the  doctrines  and  prin- 
ciples of  Truth,  as  declared  by  Christ  and  his 
Apostles:  those  who  have  been  preserved  in  faith- 
fulness therein,  having  to  testify  from  blessed  ex- 
perience, that  it  hath  been  very  profitable;  and 
therefore  cannot  be  easy  without  encouraging  and 
putting  forward  their  children,  apprentices  and 
servants  to  this  religious  duty,  as  well  as  other  be- 
havior consistent  therewith.  And  if  this  useful 
practice  was  more  generally  attended  to,  it  would 
do  more  for  us  and  them  than  any  outward  acqui- 
sition of  wealth  ;  and  without  doubt,  some  of  those 
who  have  been  placed  under  our  direction,  may 
with  thankfulness  have  to  view  our  pious  care  in 
taking  them  from  worldly  business,  to  seek  a  city 
eternal  in  the  heavens.  — 1746,  1760. 

This  meeting  recommends,  that  Friends  who  are 
exercised  in  the  Discipline,  would  early  extend 
their  brotherly  love  and  care,  in  visiting  such 
amongst  us  who  neglect  their  duty  in  attending 
our  meetings  for  public  worship.  And  as  a  wilful 
neglect  of  this  important  duty  is  a  manifest  evi- 
dence of  ingratitude  to  the  Divine  Being,  contrary 
to  the  example  and  practice  of  the  primitive  be- 
lievers in  Christ,  and  our  religious  testimony,  it  is 

the  judgment  of  this  meeting,  that  as  such  do 
8 


82 


MEETINGS  FOE  WORSHIP. 


thereby  disunite  tliemselves  from  Christian  fellow 
ship  with  us,  Monthly  Meetings,  after  having  fullv 
discharged  their  duty  towards  them,  and  finding 
their  endeavors  to  reclaim  them  ineffectual,  should 
testify  our  disunion  with  them.  — 1763,  1771. 

But  if  such,  who  have  thus  been  long  regardless 
of  their  religious  duty,  should,  after  repeated  labor 
by  the  Monthly  Meeting,  be  induced  to  attend  some 
of  our  meetings  for  Divine  worship,  they  ought, 
before  they  can  be  considered  as  restored  to  unity 
with  us,  to  make  an  acknowledgment  thereto,  of 
their  having  swerved  from  a  just  sense  of  their  de- 
pendent condition,  and  a  right  estimate  of  the  bond 
of  Christian  communion.  — 1834. 

It  is  the  sense  and  judgment  of  this  meeting, 
that  where  a  drowsy  spirit  appears  upon  any  of  the 
members  in  our  religious  meetings,  they  may  be 
labored  with  for  their  help  ;  and  where  it  is  given 
way  to,  that  Quarterly,  Monthly  and  other  Meet- 
ings, should  be  cautious  of  employing  such  in  the 
weighty  services  of  the  Discipline.  —  1789. 

The  anointing  of  the  mental  vision,  to  behold 
the  excellency  of  inward  spiritual  worship,  and  the 
goodness  of  the  Lord  in  giving  us  faith  to  sit  down 
in  silence,  depending  wholly  upon  the  Shepherd  of 
the  sheep  to  feed  his  flock,  are  among  the  unspeak- 
able favors  for  which  we  must  give  account.  "We 
do  not  doubt  there  are  many  who  would  rejoice  to 
be  liberated  from  the  bondage  of  human  ordinations, 
and  to  receive  the  same  precious  confidence  in  the 


MEMORIALS. 


83 


immediate  teachings  of  the  great  Minister  of  the 
sanctuary,  waiting  for  the  bubblings  up  of  the  water 
of  life,  with  which  he  refreshes  the  thirsty  soul. 
Tor  the  gifts  conferred  on  us,  our  responsibility  is 
great ;  and  the  desire  has  been  felt  that  we  may  not 
suffer  the  thins^s  of  the  world  to  deter  us  from  the 
steady  and  right  performance  of  the  duty  of  public 
worship. — 1851. 


MEMOEIALS. 

QUAETERLT  and  Monthly  Meetings  are  di- 
rected to  furnish  this  meeting  annually,  with 
an  account  of  the  decease  of  such  of  their  members, 
in  the  station  of  ministers  or  elders,  as  may  have 
taken  place  within  the  year.  And  if  any  "Monthly 
Meeting  should,  under  solid  consideration,  believe 
it  necessary  to  prepare  a  memorial  concerning  any 
deceased  member  thereof,  it  is  to  go  to  the  respective 
Quarterly  Meeting,  where,  being  duly  weighed 
and  agreed  to,  it  is  then  to  be  forwarded  to  the 
Meeting  for  Sufferings  for  inspection  and  approba- 
tion, previous  to  its  being  laid  before  the  Yearly 
Meeting.  — 1755,  1786. 


MmSTRY. 


LET  us  keep  in  remembrance,  that  it  is  under 
the  immediate  teaching  and  influence  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  that  all  acceptable  worship  is  per- 
formed, and  all  true  Gospel  ministry  supplied ; 
that  this  pure  and  powerful  influence,  in  vessels 
sanctified  and  prepared  by  the  Divine  hand,  is  the 
essential  qualification  to  that  work ;  and  that  as 
the  gift  is  divine,  the  service  is  freely  and  faithfully 
to  be  discharged,  without  any  view  to  reward 
from  man. 

It  is  directed,  that  where  any  of  our  members 
are  so  regardless  of  this  testimony,  as  to  contribute 
to  the  support  or  encouragement  of  a  hireling  min- 
istry, that  they  be  tenderly  labored  with  to  con- 
vince them  of  their  error  ;  and  if  this  prove  ineffec- 
tual, the  Monthly  meetings  to  which  they  belong 
should  proceed  to  declare  our  disunity  with  them  ; 
such  conduct  being  opposed  to  our  testimony  for 
the  free  ministry  of  the  Gospel,  which  is  "  without 
money  and  without  price." — 1757. 

Our  early  Friends  saw  in  the  light  of  the  Lord, 
that  no  man's  talents  or  learning,  nor  any  human 
ordination,  can  constitute  any  one  a  minister  of 
Jesus  Christ :  it  requires  a  special  call  and  qualifi- 
cation, dispensed  by  the  Head  of  the  Church  to  the 
sanctified  members,  whom  He  separates  for  the 
work  of  the  ministry.    This  gift  can  only  be  ex- 

84 


^:INISTRY. 


85 


ercised  under  his  putting  forth ;  not  in  the  will, 
wisdom  or  time  of  man,  but  under  the  renewed 
unction  from  the  Holy  One,  giving  authority,  and 
supplying  him  with  what  he  is  to  deliver  to  others, 
without  money  and  '\;^'ithout  price.  May  our  be- 
loved Friends  be  brouo^bt  to  feel  the  wronsr  and  the 
danger  of  laying  waste  this  ancient  Christian  testi- 
mony, delivered  by  the  Lord  Jesus  and  his  apostles, 
and  revived  among  us  after  a  long  and  dark  night 
of  apostacy ;  the  purity  and  spirituality  of  which 
are  necessary  to  be  maintained  in  the  Church  of 
Christ— 1860. 

The  meeting  has  been  brought  under  renewed 
exercise,  in  relation  to  the  violation  of  our  Christian 
testimony  against  a  man-made  and  paid  ministry. 
It  is  the  prerogative  of  the  blessed  Head  of  the 
Church  to  dispense  to  whomsoever  He  will,  those 
gifts  which  He  designs  to  be  exercised  for  its  edifi- 
cation. The  system  of  hireling  ministry,  presumes 
to  place  this  Divine  prerogative  under  the  arbitrary 
control  of  fallible  men,  who  permit  any  of  their 
own  sex,  who  compl}^  with  their  prescribed  forms,  to 
assume  the  sacred  ofBce ;  while  women  and  others, 
however  clearly  called  of  the  Lord  to  the  work  of 
the  ministry,  are  prohibited  engaging  in  it.  The 
necessity  to  seek  for  a  renewed  Divine  qualification 
each  time  of  engaging  in  the  solemn  work  of  preach- 
ing or  praying  is  not  recognized,  and  the  right  is  as- 
sumed of  demanding  a  pecuniary  compensation  for 
exercising  the  duties  of  the  office. 
8* 


86 


MINISTERS  AND  ELDEES. 


It  is  our  earnest  desire  that  all  our  members  may 
be  incited  to  watchfulness  against  lowering,  or  in 
any  way  balking  this  important  testimony,  and 
where  any  are  so  unguarded  as  to  give  ground  for 
uneasiness  on  this  account,  that  they  be  admonished 
in  the  restoring  love  of  the  gospel,  that  they  may 
be  brought  to  a  sense  of  their  error,  and  to  conduct 
more  consistent  with  our  high  profession. — 1877. 


MmSTERS  ANJ)  ELDERS, 

AND 

MEETINGS  OF  MINISTERS  AND  ELDERS. 

IT  is  our  earnest  desire,  that  ministers  and  eldera 
may  be  as  nursing  fathers  and  mothers  to  those 
that  are  young  in  the  ministry,  and  with  all  care 
and  diligence  advise,  admonish,  and  if  they  see  oc- 
casion, reprove  them  in  a  tender  and  Christian 
spirit,  according  to  the  rules  of  our  Discipline  and 
counsel  of  Friends  in  that  respect ;  also  exhort  them 
frequently  to  read  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  rever- 
ently seek  the  mind  of  the  Spirit  of  Truth,  to  open 
the  mysteries  thereof,  that,  abiding  in  a  simple  and 
patient  submission  to  the  will  of  God,  and  keeping 
down  to  the  openings  of  Divine  love  and  life  in 
themselves,  they  may  witness  a  gradual  growth  in 
their  gifts,  and  be  preserved  from  extendi  ng  their 


MINISTERS  AND  ELDERS. 


87 


declarations  further  than  they  find  the  life  and 
power  of  Truth  to  bear  them  up.  — 1723. 

Our  advice  to  all  our  ministers  is,  that  thej  he 
frequent  in  reading  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and 
Xew  Testaments  ;  and  if  any  in  the  course  of  their 
miilistrj,  shall  misapply,  or  draw  unsound  infer- 
ences or  WTong  conclusions  from  the  text,  or  shall 
promulgate  any  doctrine  which  goes  to  lay  waste 
any  of  our  Christian  principles  or  testimonies,  let 
them  be  admonished  by  the  elders,  and  if  they 
prove  refractory  and  refuse  to  acknowledge  their 
faults,  let  them  be  further  dealt  with  in  the  wis- 
dom of  Truth,  by  the  Preparative  Meeting  of  Min- 
isters and  Elders  ;  and  if  this  labor  is  unavailing, 
the  case  should  be  reported  to  the  Quarterly  Meet- 
ing of  Ministers  and  Elders,  and  a  few  Friends  be 
there  appointed  to  extend  further  care  therein  :  but 
if  at  that  time  there  should  be  no  Preparative 
Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders  in  existence  there, 
the  elders  are  to  state  the  case  to  the  Quarterly 
Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders,  which,  as  is  al- 
ready directed,  is  to  take  the  necessary  care ;  and 
if  this  brotherly  concern  and  endeavor  has  not  the 
desired  effect,  then  the  case  is  to  be  transmitted  to 
the  Monthly  Meeting  for  Discipline ;  upon  which 
he  or  she  is  no  longer  to  be  considered  as  having  a 
right  or  place  in  the  Meeting  of  Ministers  and 
Elders.  — 1723,  1834. 

If  any  minister  or  elder  should  in  their  conduct 
or  conversation,  transgress  any  of  the  rules  of  qui 


88^  MINISTERS  AND  ELDERS. 

Discipline,  they  are  to  be  treated  with  in  the  same 
manner  as  any  other  members  of  our  religious  So» 
ciety  ;  and  whenever  the  case  is  introduced  into 
the  Monthly  Meeting  for  Discipline,  such  minister 
or  elder  is  not  to  attend  any  Meeting  of  Ministers 
and  Elders  or  Meeting  for  Discipline,  nor  be  consid- 
ered as  in  either  of  those  stations,  until  he  or  she 
shall  have  made  satisfaction  to  the  Monthly  Meet- 
ing, and  be  again  recommended  or  appointed  as  at 
first.— 1834. 

As  the  occasion  of  our  religious  meetings  is 
solemn,  a  care  should  ever  be  maintained  to  guard 
against  anything  that  would  tend  to  disorder  or 
confusion  therein.  When  any  think  they  have 
aught  against  what  is  publicly  delivered  in  those 
meetings,  they  should  speak  to  the  party  privately 
and  in  an  orderly  manner.  And  if  any  shall  op- 
pose a  ministering  Friend  in  his  or  her  preaching 
or  exhortation,  or  keep  on  the  hat,  or  show  any 
remarkable  dislike  to  such  when  engaged  in  prayer, 
let  them  be  speedily  admonished  in  such  manner 
as  may  be  requisite,  unless  the  person  against 
whom  the  uneasiness  is  expressed,  has  been  dis- 
owned by  a  Monthly  Meeting,  or  his  or  her  public 
appearances  have  been  disapproved  by  the  elders.  — 
1719. 

This  meeting  agrees,  that  each  Monthly  Meet- 
ing choose  two  or  more  Friends  of  each  sex  to  sit 
with  the  ministers,  and  they  together  to  compose 
a  meeting  to  be  denominated  a  Preparative  Meet- 


MINISTERS  AND  ELDEES. 


89 


ing  of  Ministers  and  Elders  ;  taking  care  that  the 
persons  chosen  for  that  service,  he  Friends  of  solid 
judgment,  prudence  and  experience. — 1714,  17-10, 
1755,  1834. 

"Whenever  it  appears  to  a  Monthly  Meeting,  that 
there  is  a  necessity  for  the  appointment  of  one  or 
more  elders  of  either  sex,  a  committee  is  to  he 
appointed  hy  the  men's  and  women's  meetings, 
and  in  this  united  committee,  all  the  persons  pro- 
posed for  the  station  should  be  deliberately  and 
weightily  considered  ;  and  if  way  does  not  open  to 
bring  forward  any  name,  they  are  to  report  accord- 
ingly. Upon  the  nomination  of  any  being  agreed 
to,  the  report  of  the  united  committee  is  to  be 
made  to  each  meeting  ;  and  the  women's  Monthly 
Meeting  having  solidly  considered  the  same,  and 
previous  to  making  any  conclusive  minute  thereon, 
is  to  impart  its  sense  to  the  men's  meeting,  and 
there  leave  it  for  their  judgment  and  determina- 
tion. In  the  men's  meeting,  the  case  is  also  to  be 
seriously  and  carefully  attended  to  ;  and  when  the 
nomination  is  agreed  to  in  the  Monthly  Meetings, 
a  minute  expressive  thereof,  signed  by  the  clerk  of 
the  men's  meeting,  is  to  be  sent  into  the  women's 
meeting  for  its  concurrence  and  signing ;  and  this 
minute  is  to  be  forwarded  to  the  Quarterly  Meet- 
ing of  Ministers  and  Elders,  where  the  case  being 
solidly  weighed,  and  the  conclusion  of  the  Monthly 
Meetings  concurred  with,  information  thereof, 
by  minute,  is  to  be  sent  to  the  said  Monthly 


90 


MINISTERS  AND  ELDERS. 


Meetings :  and  until  the  approbation  of  the  Quar 
terly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders  is  obtainedj 
the  nomination  made  by  the  Monthly  Meetings  is 
not  to  have  effect.  — 1829. 

When  any  Friend  has  frequently  appeared  in  our 
religious  meetings  as  a  minister,  and  the  Prepara- 
tive Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders,  or,  where 
there  is  no  such  select  Preparative  Meeting,  the 
elders,  believing  that  it  is  seasonable  the  subject 
should  claim  the  attention  of  the  Monthly  Meet- 
ing for  Discipline,  of  which  the  person  is  a  mem- 
ber, they  are  at  liberty  to  mention  the  matter 
therein ;  and  if  the  Monthly  Meeting,  after  delib- 
erate consideration,  should  unite  in  believing  that 
a  gift  in  the  ministry  of  the  Gospel  has  been 
committed  to  him  or  her,  a  minute  expressive 
thereof  should  be  forwarded  to  the  Quarterly  Meet- 
ing of  Ministers  and  Elders,  where,  the  case  being 
solidly  weighed,  and  the  sense  of  the  Monthly 
Meeting  concurred  with,  information  thereof 
should,  by  minute,  be  sent  to  the  Monthly  Meet- 
ing, and  also  to  the  Preparative  Meeting  of  Minis- 
ters and  Elders,  of  which  the  individual  is  to  be  a 
member.  And  until  the  approbation  of  the  Quarterly 
Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders  is  obtained,  no  such 
Friend  is  to  be  received  as  a  minister,  nor  permitted 
to  sit  in  the  meetings  of  ministers  and  elders,  nor 
travel  abroad  as  a  minister.  And  no  such  ap- 
proved minister  is  to  appoint  any  meeting  out  of 
the  limits  of  the  Quarterly  Meeting  to  which  he  or 


MINISTERS  AND  ELDERS. 


91 


she  belongs,  without  a  certificate  from  the  Monthly 
Meeting  for  Discipline,  or  the  concurrence  thereof. 
1806,  1834. 

When  any  Friend,  appointed  to  the  station  of 
an  elder,  believes  him  or  herself  called  to  the  min- 
istry, and  shall  have  appeared  frequently  in  that 
capacity  in  our  public  religious  meetings,  they 
should  -withdraw  from  the  Meetings  of  Ministers 
and  Elders.  — 1806. 
\  Where  Friends  are  really  dissatisfied  or  burdened 
with  the  communications  of  those  that  take  upon 
them  to  preach  in  our  religious  meetings,  let  them 
be  duly  admonished  by  faithful  ministers  or  elders; 
and  if,  afterwards,  they  persist  to  impose  upon  and 
burden  Friends,  the  elders  should  take  the  necessary 
steps  to  lay  the  case  before  the  ^lonthly  Meeting  for 
Discipline,  which  should  treat  with  the  party  as  for 
any  other  breach  of  our  order ;  and  if  this  labor 
is  ineftectual,  issue  a  testimony  of  disownment. — 
1698,  1834. 

When  any  approved  minister  apprehends  it  to 
be  his  or  her  duty  to  travel  in  the  service  of  Truth, 
out  of  the  limits  of  the  respective  Quarterly  Meet- 
ing, he  or  she  is  to  open  their  concern  in  the 
Monthly  Meeting  to  which  they  belong,  and  ob- 
tain a  certificate  or  minute  (as  the  occasion  may  be) 
of  its  unity  and  concurrence,  directed  to  Friends 
within  the  parts  proposed  to  be  visited.  If  the 
concern  is  so  extensive,  as  by  the  rules  of  our  Dis- 
cipline it  is  requisite  to  be  laid  before  the  Quarterly 


92 


MINISTERS  AND  ELDERS. 


Meeting,  for  its  concurrence  and  endorsement  —  or 
if  it  is  of  such  a  general  nature  as  to  make  it 
necessary  to  claim  the  careful  attention  of  the 
Yearly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders,  the  pro- 
priety and  validity  of  the  concern  should  engage 
the  weighty  consideration  and  deep  feeling  of  the 
said  superior  meetings,  previous  to  readiiig  the 
certificate  of  the  Monthly  Meeting.  — 1681,  1806, 
1812,  1834. 

When  the  service  of  a  Friend,  who  has  heen  out 
on  a  religious  visit,  is  accomplished,  the  meeting 
or  meetings  that  have  set  him  or  her  at  liberty  for 
that  purpose,  are  to  be  informed  thereof,  and  the 
certificate  returned  without  improper  delay. — 1806. 

When  any  approved  minister  is  religiously  con- 
cerned to  attend  only  one  of  the  Yearly  Meetings 
on  this  continent,  adjacent  to  the  limits  of  this 
Yearly  Meeting,  and  to  take  such  meetings  as  are 
on  the  way  thither,  or  on  the  return  from  thence,  or 
a  few  meetings  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  place 
where  the  said  Yearly  Meeting  may  then  be  held ; 
or  if  it  is  a  concern,  specially  and  solely,  to  visit 
the  meetings  within  one  or  two  of  the  Quarterly 
Meetings,  belonging  to  either  of  those  Yearly 
Meetings  adjacent  to  this  meeting — he  or  she  is 
to  spread  the  same  before  their  respective  Monthly 
Meeting,  and  when  united  with,  a  certificate  or 
minute  adapted  to  the  occasion,  is  to  be  made  and 
signed — if  for  a  man,  by  the  clerk  of  the  m.en's 
meeting ;  but  if  for  a  woman,  by  the  clerks  of  the 


MINISTERS  AND  ELDERS. 


93 


men's  and  women's  meetings ;  and  in  either  case 
by  one  of  the  correspondents  also.  — 1812,  1834. 

If  the  concern  of  a  Friend  is  only  to  attend  a 
Yearly  Meeting  further  distant,  a  minute  of  the 
concurrence  of  the  Monthly  Meeting  therewith  will 
be  sufficient ;  but  if  it  is  also  to  take  several  of  the 
meetings  belonging  thereto,  or  if  the  concern  em- 
braces a  visit  to  a  considerable  number  of  the  meet- 
ings composing  such  distant  Yearly  Meeting,  though 
it  may  be  with,  or  exclusive  of  any  prospect  of  at- 
tending it,  and  likewise  in  either  case,  such  meet- 
ings as  may  be  on  the  way  in  going  and  returning  ; 
after  a  certificate  for  that  purpose  has  been  obtained 
from  the  Monthly  Meeting,  the  concern,  together 
with  the  certificate,  are  to  be  laid  before  the  Quar- 
terly Meeting,  that  if  concurred  with,  an  endorse- 
ment to  that  effect  may  be  made  thereon.  — 1834. 

If  an  approved  minister  is  under  a  concern  to 
perform  a  religious  visit  to  the  meetings  generally, 
which  are  within  the  limits  of  the  Yearly  Meetings 
of  Ohio,  Indiana,  and  Carolina,  or  within  any  two 
of  them  ;  or  if  it  is  to  make  a  religious  visit  beyond 
sea, — the  same  is  to  be  spread  before  the  Monthly 
Meeting,  and  when  united  with,  a  certificate  there- 
of is  to  be  drawn  and  signed,  if  for  a  man,  by  the 
men's  Monthly  Meeting  generally,  but  if  for  a 
woman,  by  the  men's  and  women's  Monthly  Meet- 
ings generally  ;  the  concern  is  then  to  be  opened  in 
the  respective  Quarterly  fleeting,  in  order  for  its 

concurrence  and  endorsement,  which,  if  obtained, 
9 


94 


MINISTERS  AND  ELDERS. 


it,  together  with  those  testimonials,  are  to  he  laid 
before  the  Yearly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders ; 
and  if,  upon  solid  consideration,  it  is  there  united 
with,  a  certificate  thereof,  signed  by  the  clerk, 
should  be  granted.  — 1812,  1834. 

It  is  desired  that  Friends,  when  abroad  on  re- 
ligious visits,  may  humbly  and  steadily  abide  un- 
der the  weight  of  the  concern  which  drew  them 
out  on  this  important  embassy,  and  in  which  the 
meetings  they  are  respectively  members  of,  have 
united  ;  that  using  due  diligence  in  endeavoring  to 
fulfil  the  service,  and  thus  seasonably  returning  to 
their  families  and  friends  at  home,  their  exemplary 
care  and  tender  regard  to  the  comely  order  of  our 
religious  Society,  may  have  an  extensively  salutary 
influence. — 1834. 

If  any  of  our  ministers,  or  those  who  may  come 
from  other  parts  on  a  visit  among  Friends,  gives 
occasion  of  uneasiness  in  his  or  her  religious  com- 
munications, by  misapplying  or  drawing  unsound 
inferences  from  the  text,  or  shall  propagate  any 
doctrines  or  principles  which  are  not  according  to 
the  testimony  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  incon- 
sistent with  those  which  our  religious  Society  have 
always  held  and  most  surely  believed,  let  them  be 
immediately  treated  with  by  faithful  elders  or 
ministers  where  such  occasion  of  concern  has  been 
given ;  and  if  such  minister  prove  refractory  and 
do  not  acknowledge  his  or  her  fault,  then  the  said 
elders  or  ministers  should  give  information  there- 


MINISTERS  AND  ELDERS. 


95 


of,  and  of  the  care  extended,  to  the  elders  of  the 
Monthly  Meeting  where  such  minister  belongs,  or 
report  the  case  to  their  own  respective  Monthly 
Meeting,  in  order  that  if  it  should  be  judged  re- 
quisite, an  explicit  communication  from  this  latter 
Monthly  Meeting  to  the  one  of  which  the  indi- 
vidual is  a  member,  may  be  seasonably  made,  fur- 
ther endeavors  for  his  or  her  help  thence  be  used,  and 
our  testimony  to  the  principles  and  doctrines  of  the 
Gospel  of  Christ  duly  maintained. —  1699,  1834. 

It  is  recommended,  that  when  the  concern  of  a 
Friend  for  the  performance  of  a  religious  visit  to 
meetings  within  the  limits  of  this  Yearly  Meeting, 
is  united  with  by  the  Monthly  Meeting  of  which 
he  or  she  is  a  member,  that  the  said  Monthly 
Meeting,  by  a  suitable  committee,  do  carefully  ex- 
amine and  see  that  the  service  may  not  be  impeded, 
or  the  individual  improperly  burdened,  for  want 
of  requisite  means  to  defray  the  expenses  of  such  a 
journey:  and  where  the  concern  extends  beyond 
the  limits  of  this  Yearly  Meeting,  the  like  care 
should  weightily  rest  upon  and  be  attended  to  by 
the  Quarterly  fleeting  to  which  the  Friend  belongs. 
When  any  Friend  is  drawn  to  make  a  religious 
visit  beyond  sea,  and  the  concern  is  united  with  in 
the  respective  meetings  according  to  the  mode  pre- 
scribed by  the  Discipline,  such  committee  as  the 
Yearly  Meeting  may  appoint  for  the  purpose, 
should  take  care  for  the  assistance  of  the  individual 
when  needful,  and  to  appropriate  so  much  of  the 


96 


MINISTERS  AND  ELDERS. 


stock  of  the  meeting,  as  they  may  judge  proper,  for 
payment  of  the  expenses  incurred  in  the  perform- 
ance of  the  service.  — 1812. 

The  ministers  and  elders  of  each  Monthly  Meet- 
ing are  to  meet  once  in  three  months,  at  such  time 
and  place  as  the  Monthly  Meeting  may  direct,  in 
the  capacity  of  a  Preparative  Meeting  of  Ministers 
and  Elders  ;  when,  after  a  time  of  solid  retirement, 
the  queries  addressed  to  such  meetings  are  to  be 
read  and  considered,  and  distinct  answers  made  to 
them  in  writing,  which,  when  signed  by  the  clerk, 
are  to  be  conveyed  to  the  ensuing  Quarterly  Meet- 
ing of  Ministers  and  Elders,  by  two  or  more  Friends, 
to  be  mentioned  in  the  report  as  representatives  ; 
but  if,  in  the  course  of  inquiry,  any  deficiency  has 
appeared,  care  should  be  taken  that  it  be  remedied. 
1721, 1806. 

In  the  said  Quarterly  Meetings,  the  queries  are 
also  to  be  read,  with  the  answers  which  are  brought 
from  their  Preparative  Meetings,  and  the  state  of  the 
members  and  of  the  respective  Preparative  Meetings, 
should  be  weightily  considered,  that,  where  occasion 
requires  it,  advice,  counsel  and  labor  may  be  season- 
ably extended  ;  and  once  a  year,  those  answers 
comprised  in  a  written  report,  and  signed  by  the 
clerk,  are  to  be  forwarded  to  the  Yearly  Meeting 
of  Ministers  and  Elders,  by  four  or  more  Friends 
appointed  as  representatives.  In  this  meeting  the 
queries  are  also  to  be  read,  w'th  the  answers  from 
the  several  Quarters ;  and  the  state  of  this  part  of 


MINISTERS  AND  ELDERS. 


97 


the  Society  being  collected  and  considered,  advices 
adapted  thereto  may,  if  requisite,  be  issued  to  the 
subordinate  meetings  of  like  kind,  or  care  extended 
for  their  help  and  benefit,  as  in  Divine  wisdom' 
may  be  needful.  — 1753,  1806, 1834. 

ISTone  of  the  said  Meetings  of  Ministers  and  Elders 
are  to  interfere  with  the  business  of  any  Meeting 
for  Discipline :  but  in  accordance  with  our  ancient 
practice,  if  any  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders 
have  under  its  care  a  subject  which  peculiarly  be- 
longs to  this  part  of  our  religious  Society,  and  in. 
their  judgment  it  appears  really  needful  to  claim 
the  consideration  of  its  respective  Meeting  for  Dis- 
cipline, they  are  at  liberty  to  communicate  the  same 
thereto  accordingly.  — 1722,  1834. 

The  Yearly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders  is. 
not  to  suffer  its  adjournments  to  interfere  with  the 
sittings  of  the  Yearly  Meeting  for  Discipline. — 
1721. 

We  tenderly  recommend  faithful  Friends,  and 
especially  ministers  and  elders,  to  watch  over  the 
flock  of  Christ  in  their  respective  places  and  sta- 
tions, always  approving  themselves  by  their  pious 
examples,  in  conversation  and  conduct,  to  be  such 
as  faithfully  and  diligently  walk  agreeably  to  the 
testimony  of  the  blessed  Truth,  whereunto  the 
Lord  hath  gathered  us  in  this  his  Gospel  day.  — 
1755. 

If  any  acknowledged  member  of  our  Meetings  of 
Ministers  and  Elders,  shall  at  any  time  be  thought, 


98 


MINISTERS  AND  ELDERS. 


by  negligence,  unfaithfulness,  or  otherwise,  to  Lave 
lost  his  or  her  service  in  that  station,  so  as  to  be- 
come the  subject  of  uneasiness  and  burdensome  ;  it 
is  advised,  that  a  timely  and  tender  care  be  ex- 
tended to  such  person  according  to  Gospel  order; 
first  by  the  individuals  concerned,  and  then  by  the 
Preparative  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders  to 
which  he  or  she  may  belong  ;  or  if  there  is  no  such 
Preparative  Meeting,  by  the  elders.  Should  these 
labors  prove  unavailing,  report  of  the  case  should 
be  made  to  the  Quarterly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and 
Elders,  and  there  a  few  Friends  be  deputed  to  assist 
the  said  Preparative  Meeting  or  the  elders,  in  a 
further  extension  of  labor  with  the  party  ;  if  this 
also  prove  unavailing  and  on  report  thereof  to  the 
said  Quarterly  Meeting,  it  appears  that  the  duty 
to  the  individual  has  been,  fully  discharged,  the 
case  should  then  by  minute  be  transmitted  to  the 
Monthly  Meeting  for  Discipline  of  which  the  party 
is  a  member,  and  left  under  its  care  ;  and  he  or 
she  is  from  that  time  to  refrain  from  attending 
any  such  select  meetings,  until  they  shall  be  again 
recommended  or  appointed  as  at  first.  But  if  the 
said  Monthly  Meeting  declines  or  refuses  to  take 
up  the  case,  and  extend  such  care  and  labor  there- 
in as  is  requisite,  the  Quarterly  Meeting  of  Minis- 
ters and  Elders  should  represent  to  its  respec- 
tive Quarterly  Meeting  for  Discipline,  the  con- 
cern and.  exercise  which  has  thus  been  brought 
upon  th<3m,  that  hence  the  state  of  the  Monthly 


MINISTERS  AND  ELDERS. 


99 


Meeting  and  the  due  maintenance  of  our  comely 
order,  may  claim  the  solid  attention  of  the  said 
Quarterly  Meeting  for  Discipline ;  and  be  brought 
to  such  issue  as  may  be  promotive  of  the  cause  of 
Truth  and  the  well-being  of  our  religious  Society. 
1806,  1834. 

As  the  original  purpose  and  intention  of  selecting 
from  among  our  members,  a  class  of  solid,  judicious 
Friends  for  the  important  station  of  elders,  was 
not  only,  that  where  needful,  they  might  extend  a 
brotherly  care  in  counselling  and  advising  minis- 
ters, but  to  sit  with  them  in  those  select  meetings, 
and  by  a  united  exercise,  be  mutually  assistant  to 
each  other  in  promoting  a  due  regard  to  those 
services  and  duties  which  peculiarly  belong  to  their 
respective  stations ;  it  is  therefore  the  renewed 
concern  of  tliis  meeting,  affectionately  to  recom- 
mend to  the  Quarterly  Meetings  of  Ministers  and 
Elders,  that  they  weightily  attend,  from  time  to 
time,  to  the  situation  and  circumstance  of  those 
select  Preparative  Meetings  where,  from  removal, 
decease,  or  otherwise,  there  is  no  minister ;  care- 
fully considering  whether  the  continuance  of  meet- 
ings, which  for  many  years  have  been  in  this  situ- 
ation, is  fulfilling  the  design  of  such  an  institution, 
and  of  essential  benefit  to  our  religious  Society; 
that,  where  a  suspension  of  any  of  those  meet- 
ings should  appear  seasonable  and  proper,  an 
intimation  thereof  may  be  conveyed  to  the  Monthly 
Meeting  for  Discipline ;  which,  after  consideration, 


100  MODERATION  AND  TEMPERANCE. 

and  no  weighty  impediment  to  the  sense  of  the 
Quarterly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders  appear- 
ing, should  hy  minute  refer  the  same  to  the  solid 
judgment  and  disposal  of  the  respective  Quarterly 
Meeting  for  Discipline.  ISTevertheless,  those  Friends 
who  have  been  appointed  as  elders,  should  he  con- 
sidered as  remaining  in  that  station,  subject  how- 
ever to  the  rules  of  our  Discipline  already  provided, 
and  to  the  like  extension  of  care  towards  them  by 
the  Quarterly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders,  as 
would  have  been  within  the  duties  of  the  select 
Preparative  Meeting.  — 1834. 


MODERATIO^T  AITD  TEMPERAJSTCE. 

IT  is  affectionately  recommended,  that  Friends  be 
careful  to  use  moderation  on  account  of  mar- 
riages, burials,  and  on  all  other  occasions  ;  a  depart- 
ure from  which  has  been  a  cause  of  stumbling  to 
many,  and  a  great  obstruction  to  a  more  full  refor- 
mation, as  well  as  attended  with  other  evil  conse- 
quences, tending  to  obscure  that  Light  which  is 
graciously  bestowed,  and  which  we  should  have 
more  abundantly,  if  greater  faithfulness  was  lived 
in ;  lessening  that  savor  which  we  ought  ever 
carefully  to  preserve,  agreeably  to  the  monition  of 
the  holy  Apostle :  "  Let  your  moderation  be  known 
unto  all  men,  the  Lord  is  at  hand."    Phil.  iv.  5, 


OATHS. 


101 


And  as  the  all-seeing  eye  beholds  onr  thoughts, 
and  views  us  in  all  our  ways  and  actions,  what 
manner  of  men  ought  we  to  be  in  all  godliness  of 
life,  and  sobriety  of  deportment.  — 1789. 


OATHS. 

ADVISED,  that  our  Christian  testimony  be  faith- 
fully maintained  against  the  burden  and  impo- 
Bition  of  oaths,  according  to  the  express  command 
of  Christ,  and  the  injunction  of  the  Apostle  James, 
viz:  "Ye  have  heard  that  it  hath  been  said  by 
them  of  old  time,  thou  shalt  not  forswear  thyself, 
but  shalt  perform  unto  the  Lord  thine  oaths ;  but 
I  say  unto  you,  swear  not  at  all :  neither  by  heaven, 
for  it  is  God's  throne;  nor  by  the  earth,  for  it 
is  his  footstool ;  neither  by  Jerusalem,  for  it  is  the 
city  of  the  great  king.  Neither  shalt  thou  swear  by 
thy  head,  tvcause  thou  canst  not  make  one  hair 
white  or  black ;  but  let  your  communication  be 
yea,  yea,  nay,  aay ;  for  whatsoever  is  more  than 
these  cometh  cf  evil."    Matt.  v.  33  to  37. 

"  But  above  all  things,  my  brethren,  swear  not : 
neither  by  heaven,  neither  by  the  earth,  neither 
by  any  other  oath ;  but  let  your  yea,  be  yea,  and 
your  nay,  nay ;  lest  ye  fall  into  condemnation." 
James  v.  12. 

From  the  year  1718  to  1771,  divers  minutes  of 


102 


OATHS. 


this  meetiug  appear,  declaring  that  oaths  adminis- 
tered by  clerks  or  others,  under  the  notice  and 
connivance  of  Friends,  either  in  court  or  elsewhere, 
are  a  violation  of  our  ancient  testimony.  And  it 
is  earnestly  recommended  to  Quarterly  and  Month- 
ly Meetings,  that  where  any  under  our  name  are 
parties  to  the  administration  of  oaths,  to  be  careful 
to  proceed  in  dealing  with  them ;  and  if  they  do 
not  decline  the  practice,  and  give  suitable  satisfac- 
tion to  the  meeting  they  belong  to,  to  testify 
against  them  agreeably  to  the  rules  of  our  Discipline. 

As  it  is  our  duty  to  support  our  Christian  testi- 
mony against  oaths,  faithful  Friends  are  desired 
to  extend  brotherly  labor  towards  those  who  de- 
viate therefrom ;  and  if  such  labor  proves  unsuc- 
cessful. Monthly  Meetings  should  testify  their  dis- 
unity with  them.  — 1758. 

Friends  in  all  places  are  exhorted  carefully  to 
avoid  electing  or  promoting  their  brethren  to  such 
stations  in  civil  government,  as  may  subject  them 
to  the  temptation  of  violating  this  testimony  ;  and 
where  any  members  show  an  inclination  or  desire 
of  soliciting  or  accepting  of  such  offices,  timely  care 
should  be  taken  to  caution  them  against  it.  — 1762. 

And  in  the  execution  of  instruments  of  writing 
requiring  witnesses,  it  is  recommended  that  Friends 
endeavor  to  procure  such  persons  for  this  purpose, 
as  will  attest  the  same  by  affirmation.  — 1762, 
1806. 


OVERSEERS. 


IT  IS  recommended,  that  in  every  Monthly  Meet- 
ing, a  proper  number  of  faithful  and  judicious 
men  and  women,  belonging  to  each  of  the  Partic- 
ular or  Preparative  Meetings,  be  appointed  to  the 
station  of  overseers  within  the  same ;  whose  duty 
it  is  to  exercise  a  vigilant  and  tender  care  over 
their  fellow-members  ;  that  if  anything  repugnant 
to  the  Discipline,  harmony,  and  good  order  of  the 
Society  appears  among  them,  it  may  be  timely  at- 
tended to  and  not  neglected.  And  to  prevent  the 
introduction  of  all  unnecessary  and  premature  com- 
plaints to  meetings  for  Discipline,  it  is  advised  if 
any  member  shall  have  cause  of  complaint  against 
another,  that  it  be  mentioned  to  the  overseers,  who 
are  to  see  that  the  party  complained  of  has  been 
treated  with  according  to  gospel  order,  previously 
to  the  case  being  reported  to  the  Preparative  or 
Monthly  Meeting.  It  is  desired,  that  in  dealing 
with  any  for  a  breach  of  the  rules  of  our  Discipline, 
it  be  done  in  the  spirit  of  meekness  and  love,  pa- 
tiently endeavoring  to  instruct  and  advise  them ; 
which,  if  ineffectual,  the  individual  should  be  noti- 
fied, when  it  can  be  conveniently  done,  that  the 
Preparative  Meeting  is  to  be  informed  thereof.  — 
1719, 1834. 

If  any  in  membership  with  us,  who,  having  vio- 
lated our  religious  testimony  and  Discipline,  have 

103 


104 


OVERSEERS. 


left  their  usual  place  of  abode,  and  gone  to  such 
remote  parts  as  to  render  it  very  difficult  or  im- 
practicable for  the  overseers  to  treat  with  them  ; 
the  Preparative  Meeting  is  to  be  early  informed 
of  the  case  and  its  circumstances,  in  order  that  the 
Monthly  Meeting  may  extend  such  care  therein  as 
its  nature  demands.  — 1834. 

As  overseers  are  appointed  by,  and  are  the  offi- 
cers of  Monthly  Meetings,  their  labor  should  not 
be  confined  to  the  Preparative  Meetings  where 
they  may  respectively  belong ;  but  they  should  be 
vigilant  in  the  extension  of  care  towards  delinquent 
members  in  any  part  of  the  Monthly  Meeting, 
which  has  delegated  them  to  this  important  ser- 
vice.—1828. 

It  is  further  recommended  to  our  Monthly  Meet- 
ings, that  a  committee  be  appointed  at  least  once 
in  three  years,  or  as  much  oftener  as  the  occasion 
may  require,  to  consider  the  propriety  of  changing 
the  overseers,  and  bringing  forward  in  the  improve- 
ment of  their  gifts,  other  Friends  on  whom  a  con- 
cern for  the  welfare  of  the  Society  rests.  We  ten- 
derly exhort  all  our  members  who  may  be  rightly 
called  into  this  or  any  other  service  of  the  church, 
not  hastily  to  excuse  themselves  therefrom,  but 
solidly  to  ponder  the  weighty  advice  of  the  Apos- 
tle :  "  Peed  the  flock  of  God,  which  is  among  you, 
taking  the  oversight  thereof,  not  by  constraint, 
but  willingly ;  not  for  filthy  lucre,  but  of  a  ready 
mind ;  neither  as  lords  over  God's  heritage,  but 


PARENTS  AND  CHILDREN. 


105 


being  ensamples  to  the  flock :  and  when  the  chief 
Shepherd  shall  appear,  je  shall  receive  a  crown  of 
glory,  that  fadeth  not  away."  1  Peter  v.  2-4. — 
1806. 


PAREXTS  AXD  CHILDPEX. 

IX  much  love  to  the  rising  generation,  we  ex- 
hort them  to  avoid  the  many  vanities  and  en- 
snaring corruptions  to  which  they  are  exposed. 
Bear  in  mind,  dear  youth,  that  the  "  Fear  of  the 
Lord  is  the  beginning  of  wisdom,"  and  that  "  a 
good  understanding  have  all  they  who  do  his  com- 
mandments." Psalm  xci.  10.  Take  the  advice  of 
godly  parents,  guardians  and  friends  ;  ever  remem- 
bering that,  next  to  our  Creator,  children  ought  to 
obey  their  parents  ;  that  disobedience  to  them  is  a 
breach  of  the  moral  law,  and  was  always  oftensive 
in  the  Divine  sight.  Submit  to  their  reasonable 
requirings  with  cheerfulness,  though  these  may 
sometimes  thwart  your  own  inclinations ;  and  an- 
swer them  not  frowardly  or  crossly.  They  watched 
over  you  and  took  care  of  you,  when  you  were  ut- 
terly unable  to  help  or  care  for  yourselves,  ^"hy 
then  should  any  of  you  grieve  and  wound  their  still 
anxious  minds,  by  a  conduct  which,  because  of  its 
tendency  to  obstruct  your  welfare  and  happiness, 

you  know  they  cannot  approve? — such  as  running 
10 


106 


PABENTS  AND  CHILDREIT. 


into  vain  and  expensive  fashions  ;  associating  with 
corrupt  and  libertine  persons  ;  frequenting  ta  rerns 
and  places  of  diversion ;  wasting  your  precious 
time  in  idle  discourse,  and  drawing  the  aftections 
and  inflaming  the  passions  one  of  another ;  all 
which,  we  have  no  doubt,  the  divine  Monitor  in 
your  own  breasts  often  pleads  with  you  against, 
and  shows  to  be  destructive  of  your  peace.  We, 
as  fathers,  beseech  you  to  attend  to  this  heavenly 
Instructor,  and  dutifully  yield  to  the  correspondent 
tender  advice  of  your  friends.  Shrink  not  from 
the  cross  of  Christ  in  your  garb,  language  or  man- 
ners ;  but,  through  a  subjection  of  your  wills  to 
the  Divine  will,  in  these  and  all  other  respects, 
walk  answerably  to  the  purity  of  our  profession, 
and  the  simplicity  and  spirituality  of  our  worship: 
so  may  you  be  instructive  examples  to  serious  in- 
quirers after  truth ;  and  not  of  those  who,  under 
a  profession  thereof,  are  preferring  their  own 
crooked  ways,  and  turning  others  from  the  foot- 
steps of  the  followers  of  Christ. 

It  is  advised,  that  where  the  pious  exercise  of 
parental  care  and  authority  is  disregarded,  and 
any  of  the  youth  in  membership  with  us  appear 
obstinately  determined  to  run  into  and  copy  after 
the  vain  and  extravagant  fashions  of  the  world,  in 
their  dress  and  address,  exposing  themselves  to  the 
corrupting  influence  of  evil  company  and  excesses, 
whereby  designing  persons  may  entangle  their  af- 
fections, and  draw  them  into  unsuitable  and  un- 


PARENTS  AND  CHILDREN. 


107 


happy  connections,  in  marriage  or  otherwise,  that 
such  be  timely  and  tenderly  treated  with,  and 
shown  the  dangerous  tendency  of  their  conduct ; 
and,  if  they  cannot  be  prevailed  with  to  desist 
therefrom,  and  amend  their  ways,  they  should  be 
dealt  with  by  their  respective  Preparative  or 
Monthly  Meetings,  as  in  other  cases  of  offence ; 
and  if,  after  due  expostulation  and  forbearance, 
they  prove  irreclaimable,  they  should  be  testified 
against.  — 1792. 

If  any  parents  in  membership  with  us,  willingly 
indulge  their  children  or  youth  under  their  care, 
in  such  extravagance,  liberties,  and  excesses,  as  are 
here  pointed  out,  they  should  in  like  manner  be 
treated  with  and  disowned. 

Friends  are  advised  to  bring  up  their  children 
to  habits  of  industrj^,  placing  them  with  sober  and 
exemplary  members  of  the  Society,  for  instruction 
in  such  occupations  as  are  consistent  with  our  re- 
ligious principles  and  testimonies  ;  that  as  far  as  in 
us  lies,  they  may  be  preserved  in  a  becoming  con- 
duct and  demeanor.  And  it  is  desired  that  those 
whose  circumstances  may  furnish  with  ability  for 
instructing,  in  useful  and  suitable  employments, 
the  children  of  members  who  are  in  situations  less 
affluent,  may  receive  them  into  their  families  upon 
terms  so  moderate  and  equitable,  as  to  remove 
every  plausible  reason  for  placing  them  with  those 
not  in  membership  with  us.  — 1799. 

We  long  to  see  more  of  this  living  travail  among 
ns,  the  parents  gathering  the  children  around  them  at 


108 


PLAINNESS. 


home,  and  watching  over,  instructing,  and  tenderly 
caring  for  their  religious  welfare  there;  and  we  be- 
lieve that  a  blessing  from  on  high  would  rest  on 
such  Christian  labor,  as  respects  both  parents  and 
children.— 1864. 


PLAimESS. 

ADVISED,  that  all  Friends,  both  old  and  young, 
keep  out  of  the  world's  corrupt  language, 
manners,  vain  and  needless  things  and  fashions,  in 
apparel,  buildings,  and  furniture  of  houses ;  some 
of  which  are  immodest,  indecent,  and  unbecoming. 
And  that  they  avoid  immoderation  in  the  use  of 
lawful  things,  which,  however  innocent  in  them- 
selves, may  thereby  become  hurtful ;  also  all  such 
kinds  of  stuffs,  colors  and  dress,  as  are  calculated 
more  to  please  a  vain  and  wanton  mind,  than  for 
real  usefulness ;  and  let  tradesmen  and  others, 
members  of  our  religious  Society,  be  admonished, 
that  they  be  not  accessory  to  these  evils ;  for  we 
ought  to  take  up  our  daily  cross,  minding  the 
grace  of  God  which  brings  salvation,  and  teaches 
to  deny  all  ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts,  and  to 
live  soberly,  righteously,  and  godly  in  this  present 
world,  that  we  may  adorn  the  Gospel  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  in  all  things  ;  so  may  we  feel  his  bless- 
ing, and  be  instrumental  in  his  hand  for  the  good 
of  others.  — 1682,  1694,  1695,  1711. 


PLAIXXESS. 


109 


"We  tenderly  exhort  all  seriously  to  consider  the 
plainness  and  simplicity  which  the  Gospel  enjoins, 
and  to  manifest  an  adherence  to  this  testimony,  in 
their  speech,  apparel,  furniture,  business,  saluta- 
tions and  conversation  ;  into  which  our  forefathers 
were  led  by  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  and  in  conformity 
with  w^hose  precepts  and  example,  they  patiently 
suffered  long  imprisonments,  and  great  persecu- 
tions ;  being  convinced  that  it  was  their  duty  thus 
to  bear  a  testimony  against  the  vain,  corrupt  spirit 
of  the  world.  — 1746. 

The  Spirit  of  Truth,  which  led  our  ancients  to 
lay  aside  everything  unbecoming  the  followers  of 
Christ,  still  leads  in  the  same  path,  all  who  submit 
to  its  guidance ;  we  therefore  earnestly  entreat  all 
Friends,  to  watch  over  themselves  in  this  respect. 
The  example  of  our  blessed  Saviour,  his  immediate 
followers,  and  of  virtuous  and  holy  men  in  all  ages, 
ought  to  make  a  due  impression  on  every  con- 
siderate mind ;  and  especially  on  such  as  have  had 
the  advantage  of  a  guarded  education. 

^^e  also  tenderly  advise,  that  Friends  seriously 
bear  in  mind,  they  should  be  exemplary  to  others 
under  their  care  ;  that  they  exercise  plainness  of 
speech,  without  respect  of  persons,  in  all  their  con- 
verse among  men  ;  not  balking  their  testimony  by 
a  cowardly  compliance,  and  varying  their  language 
according  to  their  company  ;  a  practice  of  very  ill 
example,  rendering  those  who  use  it  contemptible, 
and  looked  upon  as  a  kind  of  hypocrites,  even  by 
10* 


110 


POOR. 


those  with  whom  they  so  comply.  This  seems  to  be 
cautioned  against  by  the  Apostle,  when  he  advises, 
1  Tim.,  "That  the  deacons  be  grave,  not  double- 
tongued;"  plainly  importing  that  it  is  inconsistent 
with  the  gravity  of  the  Gospel. — 1743. 


POOR. 

IT  is  advised,  that  the  cases  of  all  our  membei^s 
who  are  in  indigent  circumstances,  be  duly  in- 
spected, that  advice  and  relief  may  be  seasonably 
extended,  and  assistance  afforded  to  them  in  such 
business  as  they  are  capable  of :  and  in  order  to  de- 
fray the  expenses  which  their  support  and  the  edu- 
cation of  their  children  will  necessarily  occasion, 
it  is  recommended  to  each  Monthly  Meeting  of 
men  and  women  Friends,  to  be  open-hearted  and 
liberal  in  subscriptions  for  raising  and  continuing 
funds  for  these  purposes :  that  the  meetings  of  each 
sex  should  appoint  a  treasurer  to  receive  the  same, 
and  a  committee  of  suitable  Friends  to  have  the 
particular  care  of  the  poor,  whose  business  it  will  be 
to  visit,  inspect  into  their  wants,  and  relieve  them. 
In  the  exercise  of  this  benevolent  care,  it  is  de- 
sired we  may  always  guard  against  exposing  the 
names  or  situations  of  our  fellow-members.  An 
appointment  should  be  annually  made  of  two  or 
more  Friends  for  settling  the  treasurer's  account, 
and  reporting  its  state  to  the  meeting.  — 1721, 1796. 


QUERIES. 


IT  is  agreed,  that  the  eight  queries  belonging  to 
meetings  for  Discipline,  be  read,  deliberately 
considered,  and  answered  in  each  Preparative  and 
Monthly  Meeting  once  a  year ;  in  order  to  convey 
an  explicit  account  in  writing  to  the  Quarterly 
Meetings  next  preceding  the  Yearly  Meeting,  that 
so  this  meeting  may  be  clearly  informed  of  the 
state  of  all  our  meetings. 

Also,  that  the  first,  second  and  eighth  of  those 
queries  be  read,  considered,  and  explicit  answers  to 
them  made  in  writing  in  the  two  Quarterly  Meet- 
ings preceding  the  one  before  mentioned,  and  also 
in  the  Preparative  and  Monthly  Meetings  which 
report  thereto.  But  none  of  the  queries  are  to  be 
read  or  answered  in  those  Quarterly  Meetings  for 
Discipline,  which  immediately  succeed  the  Yearly 
Meeting,  nor  in  the  Preparative  or  Monthly  Meet- 
ings which  report  to  those  quarters. 

It  is  not  considered  as  obligatory  on  any  meet- 
ing, to  read  the  above  queries  oftener  than  is  here 
mentioned,  nor  to  read  any  others  than  such  as  are 
to  be  answered.  Xor  is  the  readins:  and  answerino: 
of  them  enjoined  on  any  Preparative  Meeting, 
w^here  the  members  of  that  and  the  Monthly  Meet 
ing  are  the  same.  — 1806. 

It  is  further  agreed,  that  at  the  time  when  the 
eight  queries  are  read  in  the  Preparative  and 

111 


112 


QUERIES. 


Monthly  Meetings,  the  advices  and  cautions  sub- 
joined shall  be  also  distinctly  read  and  solidly  pon- 
dered ;  as  a  means  of  putting  the  members  present 
upon  considering,  whether  there  be  any  occasion 
for  an  extension  of  care  in  those  respects :  and,  if 
there  is,  of  stirring  them  up  to  a  faithful  discharge 
of  their  duty  as  individuals,  one  towards  another. 

First  Query.  Are  all  our  religious  meetings  for 
"Worship  and  Discipline  duly  attended ;  is  the 
hour  observed  ;  and  are  Friends  clear  of  sleeping, 
and  of  all  other  unbecoming  behavior  therein  ? 

Second  Query.  Are  love  and  unity  maintained 
amongst  yoa  ?  Are  tale-bearing  and  detraction  dis- 
couraged? And  where  any  differences  arise,  are 
endeavors  used  speedily  to  end  them? 

Third  Query.  Are  Friends  careful  to  bring  up 
those  under  their  direction,  in  plainness  of  speech, 
behavior  and  apparel ;  in  frequently  reading  the 
Holy  Scriptures ;  and  to  restrain  them  from  read- 
ing pernicious  books,  and  from  the  corrupt  con- 
versation of  the  world  ?  And  are  they  good  exam- 
ples in  these  respects  themselves  ? 

Fourth  Query.  Are  Friends  careful  to  discourage 
the  unnecessary  distillation  and  use  of  spirituous 
liquors,  and  the  frequenting  of  taverns ;  to  avoid 
places  of  diversion,  and  to  keep  in  true  moderation 
and  temperance  on  the  account  of  marriages,  bur- 
ials, and  all  other  occasions  ? 

Fifth  Query.  Are  poor  Friends'  necessities  duly 
inspected,  and  they  relieved  or  assisted  in  such 


QUERIES. 


113 


business  as  fhey  are  capable  of?  Do  tbeir  children 
freely  partake  of  learning  to  fit  tbem  for  business ; 
and  are  they  and  other  Friends'  children  placed 
among  Friends  ? 

Sixth  Query.  Do  you  maintain  a  faithful  testi- 
mony against  oaths  ;  an  hireling  ministry  ;  bearing 
arms,  training,  and  other  military  services  ;  being 
concerned  in  any  fraudulent  or  clandestine  trade ; 
buying  or  vending  goods  so  imported,  or  prize 
goods ;  and  against  encouraging  lotteries  of  any 
kind? 

Seventh  Query.  Are  Friends  careful  to  live  within 
the  bounds  of  their  circumstances,  and  to  keep  to 
moderation  in  their  trade  or  business?  Are  they 
punctual  to  their  promises,  and  just  in  the  pay- 
ment of  their  debts  ;  and  are  such  as  give  reason- 
able grounds  for  fear  on  these  accounts,  timely  la- 
bored with  for  their  preservation  or  recovery  ? 

Eighth  Query.  Do  you  take  due  care  regularly  to 
deal  with  all  offenders  in  the  spirit  of  meekness, 
without  partiality  or  unnecessary  delay,  in  order 
for  their  help  ;  and  where  such  labor  is  ineffectual, 
to  place  judgment  upon  them,  in  the  authority  of 
Truth  ? 

And  in  the  Preparative  and  Monthly  Meetings, 
when  all  the  foregoing  queries  are  read  and  an- 
swered, the  following  advices  are  to  be  read,  with 
a  suitable  pause  between  them  : 

That  no  young  or  single  persons  make  or  en- 
courage proposals  of  marriage  with  each  other 


114 


QUERIES. 


without  consent  of  parents  or  guardians,  or  ke^p 
company  with  those  who  are  not  of  our  religious 
Society,  upon  that  account ;  and  if  parents  give  their 
consent  to,  or  connive  at  their  children's  thus  keep- 
ing company,  or  marrying,  that  they  be  dealt  with 
according  to  our  Discipline.  And  if  any  of  our 
members  have  been  present  at  marriages  accom- 
plished contrary  to  the  rules  of  our  Discipline,  that 
they  also  be  dealt  with. 

That  all  public  gifts  and  legacies  be  strictly  ap- 
plied to  the  uses  intended  by  the  donors  ;  or,  if  any 
unforeseen  occurrence  should  render  such  com- 
pliance difficult  or  impracticable,  that  an  early  ap- 
plication be  made  to  the  Meeting  for  Sufferings  for 
its  advice  or  assistance:  and  that  timely  care  be 
taken  for  the  renewal  of  trusts. 

That  Friends  intending  removal  be  careful  to  ap- 
ply for  certificates  ;  and  that  the  cases  of  such  who 
remove  without  certificates,  or  of  sojourners  coming 
from  other  places  and  appearing  as  Friends,  without 
producing  certificates,  be  properly  attended  to. 

That  Friends  carefully  inspect  the  state  of  their 
affairs  once  in  the  year ;  and  make  their  wills  and 
settle  their  outward  estates  whilst  in  health. 

And  it  is  further  recommended,  that  in  conduct- 
ing the  affairs  of  our  meetings,  as  it  is  the  Lord's 
work,  let  it  be  done  as  in  his  sight ;  thus  Friends 
should  humbly  endeavor  to  manage  them  in  the 
peaceable  spirit  and  wisdom  of  Jesus,  with  decency, 
fbrbearance,  and  love  of  each  other. 


QUERIES.  115 

The  following  queries  are  also  to  be  read,  con- 
sidered and  answered  once  a  year,  in  each  Monthly 
and  Quarterly  Meeting,  and  a  report  thereof 
made  in  writing  to  this  meeting :  and  it  is  recom- 
mended, that  in  answering  the  query  respecting 
schools,  Monthly  Meetings  furnish  their  respective 
Quarters  with  particular  accounts  of  the  situation 
and  circumstances  of  the  several  schools  within  their 
limits,  which  are  under  the  care  of  Preparative, 
Monthly,  or  Quarterly  Meetings ;  and  that  the 
Quarterly  Meetings  convey  to  this  meeting  a  sum- 
mary statement  thereof. 

First  Query.  What  ministers  and  elders  de- 
ceased, and  when  ? 

Second  Query.  What  new  meetings  have  been 
settled  ?  and  have  any  meetings  been  discontinued? 

Third  Query.  Is  due  care  taken  to  keep  a  regular 
record  of  births  and  deaths  ? 

Fourth  Query.  Are  there  schools  established  for 
the  education  of  our  youth,  under  the  care  of 
teachers  in  membership  with  us,  and  superintended 
by  committees  appointed  either  in  the  Monthly 
or  Preparative  Meetings  ? 

Fifth  Query.  Are  the  queries  addressed  to  the 
Quarterly,  Monthly,  and  Preparative  Meetings, 
read  and  answered  therein,  as  directed? — 1755, 
1782,  1806,  1834. 


QUERIES  FOR  MEETINGS  OF  MINISTERS 
AND  ELDERS. 


IT  is  also  concluded,  that  of  tlie  following  four 
queries,  formed  for  tlie  use  of  the  Meetings  of 
Ministers  and  Elders,  the  first  three  be  read  and 
distinctly  answered  in  writing,  three  times  in  a 
year,  by  each  Preparative  Meeting  of  that  kind,  to 
its  respective  Quarterly  Meeting ;  and  that  all  the 
said  four  queries  shall  be  in  like  manner  read  and 
answered,  by  the  Preparative  to  their  Quarterly 
Meetings  next  preceding  the  Yearly  Meeting  of 
Ministers  and  Elders  ;  that  the  Quarterly  Meetings 
may  be  enabled  to  transmit  a  clear  and  distinct 
statement  of  those  answers  to  that  meeting. 

First  Query.  Are  ministers  and  elders  careful  to 
attend  meetings  for  Divine  worship,  bringing  their 
families  with  them  ?  Do  they  diligently  attend 
meetings  for  Discipline,  encouraging  such  of  their 
families  to  this  duty  as  are  of  proper  age,  and  suit- 
able deportment  ? 

Second  Query.  Are  ministers  sound  in  word  and 
doctrine ;  and  careful  to  minister  in  the  ability 
which  God  gives  ? 

Third  Query.  Are  the  lives  and  conversation  of 
ministers  and  elders  clean  and  blameless  amongst 
men:  are  they  in  unity  one  with  another,  and 

116 


SCHOOLS. 


117 


with  the  meeting  they  belong  to,  harmoniously  la- 
borino;  for  Truth's  honor? 

Fourth  Query,  Are  they  good  examples  in  up- 
rightness, temperance,  and  moderation ;  and  care- 
ful to  train  up  their  families  in  plainness  of  dress 
and  simplicity  of  manners,  becoming  our  religious 
profession  ? 

It  is  earnestly  and  affectionately  recommended, 
that  ministers  and  elders  watch  over  one  another 
for  good,  to  help  those  who  are  exercised  in  the 
ministry  in  the  right  line :  discouraging  forward 
spirits  that  run  into  words  without  life  and  power; 
advising  against  affectation  of  tones  and  gestures, 
and  everything  that  would  hurt  their  service ;  yet 
encouraging  the  humble,  careful  traveller  ;  "  Speak- 
ing a  word  in  season  to  them  that  are  weary." 
And  let  all  dwell  in  that  which  gives  ability  to  la- 
bor successfully  in  the  church  of  Christ,  adorning 
the  doctrine  which  they  deliver  to  others ;  being 
examples  of  the  believers,  in  word,  in  conversation ^ 
in  charity,  in  spirit,  in  faith,  and  in  purity.  — 1755, 
1795,  1806. 


SCHOOLS. 

TKE  education  of  our  youth  in  piety  and  virtue, 
and  ffivinor  them  useful  learnino-  under  the 

tuition  of  religious,  prudent  persons,  having  for  a 
11 


118 


SCHOOLS. 


great  number  of  years  engaged  the  solid  attention 
of  this  meeting,  advices  thereon  have  been  from 
time  to  time  issued  to  the  several  subordinate 
meetings.  It  is  renewedly  desired,  that  Quarterly, 
Monthly,  and  Preparative  Meetings  may  be  excited 
to  proper  exertions  for  the  institution  and  support 
of  schools,  there  being  but  little  doubt,  that  as 
Friends  are  united,  and  cherish  a  disposition  of 
liberality  for  the  assistance  of  each  other  in  this 
important  work,  they  will  be  enabled  to  make  such 
pro\'ision  for  the  accommodation  and  residence  of 
a  teacher,  with  a  family,  as  would  be  an  encour- 
agement to  well-qualified  persons  to  engage  in  this 
arduous  employment ;  for  want  of  which,  it  has 
been  observed,  that  children  have  been  committed 
to  the  care  of  transient  persons,  of  doubtful  char- 
acter, and  sometimes  of  very  corrupt  minds,  by 
whose  bad  example  and  influence,  they  have  been 
betrayed  into  principles  and  habits,  which  have 
had  an  injurious  effect  on  them  in  more  advanced 
life.  It  is  therefore  indispensably  incumbent  on  us 
to  guard  them  against  this  danger,  and  to  procure 
such  tutors  of  our  own  religious  persuasion,  as  are 
not  only  capable  of  instructing  them  in  useful 
learning,  to  fit  them  for  the  business  of  this  life, 
but  to  train  them  in  the  knowledge  of  their  duty 
to  God,  and  one  towards  another.  It  is  therefore 
proposed : 

First.  That  a  lot  of  ground  be  provided  in  each 
Monthly  or  Preparative  Meeting,  suflicient  for  a 


SCHOOLS. 


119 


garden,  orchard,  grass  for  a  cow,  &c.,  and  a  suit- 
able house  erected  thereon. 

Second.  That  funds  be  raised  by  contribution, 
bequests,  &c.,  in  each  meeting ;  the  interest  of 
which  to  be  applied  either  in  aid  of  the  tutor's 
salary,  or  lessening  the  expense  of  Friends  in  strait- 
ened circumstances,  in  the  education  of  their 
children. 

Third.  That  a  committee  be  appointed  in  each 
Monthly  or  Preparative  Meeting,  to  have  the  care 
of  schools,  and  the  funds  for  their  support,  and 
that  no  tutor  be  employed  but  with  their  consent. 

Although  the  raising  a  sufficiency  to  answer 
those  purposes  may  in  some  places  appear  difficult, 
yet  as  improvements  of  this  kind  are  generally 
gradual,  and  have  often  arisen  from  small  begin- 
nings into  very  valuable  establishments,  it  is  de- 
sired that  Friends  may  be  encouraged  thereto,  and 
keeping  an  eye  to  the  Divine  blessing  on  their  be- 
nevolent endeavors,  make  such  essay  for  carrying 
into  effect  these  recommendations  as  they  may  be 
enabled.  — 1746, 1750, 1778  to  1787. 

Under  a  renewed  fervent  concern  for  the  preser- 
vation of  our  youth,  and  their  advancement  in 
piety  and  virtue,  it  is  desired  that  Quarterly  Meet- 
ings would  enter  deeply  into  the  important  subject 
of  education,  and  promote  in  the  subordinate  meet- 
ings, the  establishment  of  schools,  to  be  taught  by 
members  of  our  religious  Society  ;  and  that  a  vigi- 
lant care  be  exercised  in  all  such  schools,  to  instruct 


120 


SCHOOLS. 


the  children  in  the  principles  of  the  Christian  reli- 
gion, and  the  peculiar  testimonies  of  our  religious 
Society ;  that  each  Quarterly  Meeting  raise  a 
school  fund,  to  be  applied  under  the  direction  of  a 
committee,  to  the  assistance  of  those  meetings  and 
families  which  may  require  such  aid.  The  daily 
reading  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  the  regular  at- 
tendance of  the  scholars  at  mid-week  meetings, 
where  it  is  practicable,  should  be  enjoined  at  all 
these  schools. 

Although  various  difficulties  and  discourage- 
ments exist  in  some  of  the  Quarterly  Meetings,  yet 
if  Friends  generally  were  brought  to  consider  a 
guarded  education,  not  merely  as  a  matter  of  tem- 
poral convenience  and  accommodation,  but  as  it 
really  is,  a  religious  concern  of  primary  obligation, 
and  deeply  affecting  the  spiritual  welfare  of  their 
beloved  offspring,  they  would  be  prepared  to  pros- 
ecute it  with  lively  zeal,  and  to  make  such  pecu- 
niary and  other  sacrifices  to  procure  it,  that  few 
meetings  would  be  found  where  select  schools  could 
not  be  supported,  and  none  of  the  children  of 
Friends,  to  whom  the  invaluable  blessing  of  a  com- 
petent and  religious  education  would  not  be  acces- 
sible. Quarterly  and  Monthly  Meetings  are  therefore 
recommended  to  appoint  committees  to  have  this 
subject  under  their  special  care ;  to  make  particular 
inquiry  into  the  situation  of  all  their  members  as 
regards  education,  and  endeavor,  as  way  may 
open,  earnestly  to  impress  on  their  minds  a  due 


SCHOOLS. 


121 


sense  of  the  value  of  a  religious,  guarded  education, 
and  of  the  obligation  which  rests  on  parents,  to 
use  diligent  exertions  faithfully  to  discharge  this 
important  duty  towards  their  children. 

And  it  is  desired,  that  Friends  in  the  respective 
meetings  may  cherish  a  liberal  disposition,  in  con- 
tributing towards  the  assistance  of  their  brethren, 
who  have  families  of  children  growing  up  around 
them,  and  are  laboring  under  many  discourage-  / 
ments  and  disadvantages  arising  from  the  want  of 
means  to  give  them  that  kind  of  education,  which 
it  has  long  been  the  fervent  concern  of  this  meet- 
ing to  promote  among  its'members.  As  a  principal 
obstacle  to  forming  select  schools,  within  some  of 
the  Quarterly  Meetings,  appears  to  arise  from  the 
scattered  situation  of  the  families,  and  the  difficulty 
of  locating  a  school  so  as  to  be  within  the  reach  of 
a  sufficient  number  of  the  children  of  Friends  ;  this 
may  in  great  measure  be  removed,  by  fixing  the 
school  in  a  central  situation  near  the  meeting-house, 
and  boarding  the  children,  whose  parents  reside  at 
a  distance,  in  the  families  of  Friends  who  live  con- 
tiguous. If  a  proper  concern  for  the  promotion  of 
the  welfare  of  each  other  is  cultivated  among  our 
members,  it  is  believed  there  would  be  little  diffi- 
culty in  procuring  such  situations  for  the  children, 
where  they  can  be  accommodated  during  the  week 
at  a  small  expense,  and  return  home  to  spend  the 
first  day  with  their  parents.  It  is  also  recom- 
mended, that  all  these  schools  should  be  under  the 
11* 


122 


SCRIPTURES. 


care  of  committees,  appointed  in  the  Monthly  or 
Preparative  Meetings,  who  should  frequently  visit, 
and  diligently  watch  over  them,  in  order  to  pro- 
mote their  improvement,  and  to  encourage  Friends 
to  send  their  children  there,  rather  than  to  the 
mixed  schools  in  the  neighborhood. 

As  essentially  connected  with,  and  highly  con- 
ducive to  the  fulfilment  of  the  foregoing  salutary 
recommendations,  it  is  very  important  that  Friends 
bear  in  mind,  that  the  business  of  proper  and  just 
education  must  be  begun  at  home^  and  that  the  dis- 
cipline and  docility,  which  will  enable  children  to 
profit  by  the  instruction  of  their  teachers,  and 
which  often  determine  the  course  of  their  future 
life,  should  be  inculcated  there,  — 1831,  1834. 


SCRIPTURES  OF  THE  OLD  KE'D  KEW 
TESTAMEiTTS. 

WE  tenderly  and  earnestly  advise  and  exhort  all 
parents  and  heads  of  families,  that  they  en- 
deavor to  instruct  their  children  and  families  in 
the  doctrines  and  precepts  of  the  Christian  religion, 
as  contained  in  the  Holy  Scriptures  ;  and  that  they 
excite  them  to  the  diligent  reading  of  those  excellent 
writings,  which  plainly  set  forth  the  miraculous  con- 
ception, birth,  holy  life,  wonderful  works,  blessed 


SCRIPTURES. 


123 


example,  meritorious  death,  and  glorious  resurrec- 
tion, ascension  and  mediation,  of  our  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ ;  and  to  educate  their  children 
in  the  belief  of  those  important  truths,  as  well  as 
in  the  belief  of  the  inward  manifestation  and  ope- 
ration of  the  Holy  Spirit  on  their  own  minds,  that 
they  may  reap  the  feenefit  and  advantage  thereof, 
for  their  own  peace  and  everlasting  happiness ; 
which  is  infinitely  preferable  to  all  other  consider- 
ations.— 1732. 

We  have  always  believed  that  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures were  written  by  Divine  inspiration ;  that 
they  are  able  to  make  wise  unto  salvation,  through 
faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  ;  for,  as  holy  men 
of  God  spake  as  they  were  moved  by  the  Holy 
Ghost,  they  are  therefore  profitable  for  doctrine, 
for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruction  in  right- 
eousness, that  the  man  of  God  may  be  perfect, 
thoroughly  furnished  unto  all  good  works.  But 
as  we  freely  acknowledge,  that  their  authority 
doth  not  depend  upon  the  approbation  of  any 
church  or  assembly,  so  neither  can  we  subject  them 
to  the  fallen,  corrupt  reason  of  man.  As  a  true 
understanding  of  the  Divine  will,  and  meaning  of 
Holy  Scripture,  cannot  be  discerned  by  the  natural, 
but  only  by  the  spiritual  man,  it  is  therefore  by  the 
assistance  of  the  Jloly  Spirit,  that  they  are  read 
with  great  instruction  and  comfort.  — 1828. 

We  have  always  asserted  our  willingness,  that  all 
our  doctrines  and  practices  be  tried  by  them  ;  and 


124  SLAVE-TRADE  AND  SLAVERY. 


admit  it  as  a  positive  maxim :  "  That  whatever 
any  do,  pretending  to  the  Spirit,  which  is  contrary 
to  the  Scriptures,  be  accounted  and  reckoned  a  de- 
lusion of  the  devil." 

We  receive  and  believe  in  the  testimony  of  the 
Scriptures,  simply  as  it  stands  in  the  text:  "There 
are  three  that  bear  record  in  heaven,  the  Father, 
the  Word,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  these  three 
are  one."  — 1828. 


SLAVE-TRADE  A^^^D  SLAVERY. 

IT  appears  to  have  been  the  concern  of  this  meet- 
ing, revived  from  time  to  time,  with  increasing 
weight,  to  testify  their  entire  disunity  with  the 
practice  of  enslaving  mankind,  and  particularly  to 
guard  all  in  membership  with  us  against  being,  in 
any  degree,  concerned  in  the  purchase  of  slaves 
from  the  coasts  of  Africa  or  other  parts.  Having 
with  sorrow  observed,  that  in  some  parts  of  our 
country  this  shameful  practice  is  still  continued 
and  connived  at,  we  therefore  think  it  proper  to 
revive  the  advices  heretofore  issued  ;  and  again  ex- 
hort our  members,  to  be  no  way  accessory  to  this 
enormous  national  evil,  but  to  discourage  it  by  all 
the  justifiable  means  in  their  power ;  it  being  ob- 
vious, that  wherever  it  prevails,  it  tends  to  corrupt 
the  morals  of  the  people,  so  as  not  only  to  render 


SLAVE-TRADE  AND  SLAVERY.  125 

them  obnoxious  to  tlie  displeasure  of  tlie  Almighty, 
but  deaf  to  his  warnings,  and  insensible  and  regard- 
less of  his  impending  judgments.  — 1755,  1806. 

And  we  earnestly  desire  that  our  members  gen- 
erally may  use  endeavors  to  promote  the  instruction 
of  the  people  of  color,  as  objects  of  the  common 
salvation,  in  the  principles  of  the  Christian  religion ; 
as  well  as  in  such  branches  of  school  learning  as  may 
fit  them  for  freedom,  and  to  become  useful  members 
of  civil  society.  Also,  that  Friends  in  their  several 
neighborhoods,  advise  and  assist  them  in  the  edu- 
cation of  their  children,  and  common  worldly  con- 
cerns.— 1778. 

Friends  are  cautioned  against  acting  as  executors 
or  administrators  to  estates  where  slaves  are  be- 
queathed ;  and  doing  anything  whereby  their  bond- 
age may  be  prolonged. — 1774. 

It  is  the  sense  and  judgment  of  this  meeting, 
that  if  any  in  membership  with  us  are  in  any  wise 
concerned  in  purchasing,  disposing  of,  or  holding 
mankind  as  slaves,  or  shall  by  any  means  encourage 
or  countenance  a  traffic  in  slaves,  they  should  be 
treated  with  as  for  any  other  immoral,  unjust,  or 
reproachful  conduct ;  and  if  they  are  not  brought 
to  such  a  sense  of  their  deviation  from  the  law  of 
righteousness  and  Christian  equity,  as  to  condemn 
the  same  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Monthly  Meet- 
ing, they  should  be  disowned. — 1774,  1834. 

It  appearing  that,  notwithstanding  the  many 
afflictive  dispensations  with  which  Divine  wisdom 


126  SLAVE-TRADE  AND  SLAVERY. 


has  seen  meet  to  visit  this  land,  many  of  its  in- 
habitants are  so  deaf  to  the  language  of  the  rod, 
as  to  continue  in  the  nefarious  traffic  for  slaves  to 
the  coasts  of  Africa :  and  that  the  introduction  of 
them  into  these  United  States  is,  in  some  places, 
still  connived  at ;  this  meeting,  considering  such  a 
conduct  as  a  bold  and  impious  defiance  of  the  Ruler 
of  nations,  and  pregnant  with  the  most  alarming 
consequences  to  our  country,  earnestly  recommends 
to  the  Meeting  for  Sufferings,  to  embrace  every 
suitable  opportunity  for  advancing  our  testimony 
in  this  respect,  and  for  calling  the  attention  of  the 
public  mind  to  this  awfully  interesting  subject. — 
1786,  1787,  1806,  1834. 

If  any  of  our  members  are  in  the  practice  of 
hirino;  a  slave  or  slaves  to  assist  them  in  their 
business,  and  the  compensation  for  such  services 
is  to  be  appropriated  to  the  benefit  of  those  who 
claim  the  right  of  ownership  over  such  of  these 
poor  people  who  are  thus  held  in  bondage,  and  not 
designed  or  intended  to  be  applied  to  promote  their 
liberation ;  as  this  is  a  violation  of  our  testimony, 
such  members  should  be  treated  with,  and  after 
patient  labor  has  been  unavailing,  Monthly  Meet- 
ings should  testify  their  disunity  with  them- — 1824, 
1834. 


SPIRITUOUS  LIQUOES. 


ADVISED,  that  Friends  carefully  avoid  all  vain 
and  idle  company,  sipping  and  tippling  of 
drams  and  strong  drink ;  for  though  such  who  are 
in  that  evil  practice  may  not  suddenly  heconie 
drunken  to  the  greatest  degree,  yet  they  often 
thereby  become  like  ground  fitted  for  the  seeds  of 
the  greatest  transgressions ;  and  some  who  have 
had  the  good  example  of  virtuous  parents,  have, 
from  small  beginnings,  arrived  at  a  shameful  ex- 
cess, to  their  ruin,  the  great  injury  of  their  wives 
and  families,  and  the  scandal  of  the  religious  pro- 
fession they  have  made. — 1706,  1737. 

It  having  been  observed  that  a  pernicious  custom 
has  prevailed  in  some  places,  of  giving  rum  and 
other  strong  liquors  to  excite  some  to  bid  at  ven- 
dues to  advance  the  price,  which,  besides  the  in- 
justice of  the  artifice,  is  scandalous,  and  leads  to 
intemperance  and  disorder;  it  is  therefore  the 
unanimous  sense  of  this  meeting  to  testify  against 
the  same.  And  if  any  in  membership  with  us  do 
fall  into  the  evil  practice  of  giving  or  taking  spir- 
ituous liquors  at  vendues,  they  should  be  speedily 
dealt  with  as  disorderly  persons,  and  if  they  cannot 
be  brought  to  a  sense  of  their  error,  disowned.  — • 
1726,  1734. 

Many  just  and  pertinent  remarks  being  made  in 
this  meeting,  clearly  setting  forth  the  corrupting, 

127 


128 


SPIRITUOUS  LIQUORS. 


debasing,  and  ruinons  effects,  consequent  on  the 
importation  and  retailing  large  quantities  of  dis- 
tilled spirits,  whereby  the  intemperate  use  of  them 
is  greatly  aided  and  encouraged,  to  the  impoverish- 
ment of  many,  distempering  the  constitutions  and 
understandings  of  many  more,  and  increasing  vice 
and  dissoluteness  in  the  land,  wherewith  many  re- 
ligiously attentive  minds  have  been  long  painfully 
burdened  ;  it  is  the  united  sense  of  the  meeting, 
that  well  concerned  Friends  in  all  quarters,  be 
earnestly  excited  to  suffer  the  affecting  importance 
of  this  mighty  evil,  religiously  to  affect  their 
minds,  and  animate  them  with  a  lively  concern 
and  honest  endeavors,  both  by  example  and  loving 
entreaty,  to  caution  and  dissuade  all  our  members, 
from  being  concerned  in  the  importation  or  selling 
distilled  spirits,  or  giving  countenance  thereto. — 
1784, 1787. 

Under  the  weight  and  pressure  of  the  deeply  in- 
teresting concern  for  the  maintenance  of  our  Chris- 
tian testimony  against  the  trading  in,  and  use  of 
distilled  spirituous  liquors,  that  a  gradual  and 
steady  advancement  thereof  may  in  no  respect  be 
impeded.  Quarterly  and  Monthly  Meetings  are 
afresh  urged  to  renewed,  patient,  persevering  labor, 
with  such  as  are  in  the  practice  of  using,  or  giving 
them  out  as  an  article  of  drink ;  manifesting,  that 
if  continued  in  by  any  of  our  members,  it  cannot 
admit  of  any  countenance  while  there  is  a  faithftd 


STOCK. 


129 


adherence  to  the  Divine  principle  of  good  will  to 
men.  — 1796. 

If  any  in  membership  with  us  should  distil, 
trade  in,  or  sell  distilled  spirituous  liquors,  except 
it  be  for  medicinal  or  chemical  purposes,  Monthly 
Meetin2:s  should  treat  with  them  as  with  other 
offenders,  and  if  they  are  not  prevailed  with  to 
desist  from  the  practice,  they  should  testify  our 
disunity  with  them. — 1834. 


STOCK. 

AGREED,  that  there  be  collections  brought  in 
from  each  Quarterly,  unto  the  next  Yearly 
Meeting,  for  a  Yearly  Meeting  stock,  to  defray  the 
charges  of  the  said  meeting,  according  to  the  sev- 
eral agreements  made,  or  hereafter  to  be  made.  — 
1695. 

A  stock  having  been  generally  kept,  and  by  ex- 
perience found  useful,  for  the  necessary  occasions 
of  the  Society,  it  is  agreed,  that  the  same  be  occa- 
sionally renewed  by  a  collection  from  each  Quarter, 
and  that  it  be  continued  in  the  hands  of  the  trea- 
surer appointed  by  this  Meeting,  and  subject  to  be 
drawn  out  by  its  direction  or  by  the  Meeting  for 
Sufferings,  as  the  exigencies  of  Society  may  re- 
quire. 

The  sums  which  may  be  thought  necessary,  shall 
12 


130 


TAVERNS. 


be  raised  by  each  Quarter,  in  the  proportions  which 
may  be  directed  by  this  meeting  from  time  to  time. 

An  arrangement  of  the  quotas  of  the  several 
Quarterly  Meetings  is  to  be  made  by  a  committee 
appointed  for  that  purpose,  thus : 

Philadelphia  Quarter  to  pay  —  dollars  in  every  $100 


Abington  do.  —  ditto. 

Bucks  do.  —  ditto. 

Concord  do.  —  ditto. 

Cain  do.  —  ditto. 

Western  do.  —  ditto. 

Burlington  do.  —  ditto. 

Haddonfield  do.  —  ditto. 

Salem  do.  —  ditto. 


$100 


TAYERIN^S. 

WE  think  it  necessary  to  caution  not  only  the 
youth,  but  those  of  riper  age,  to  avoid  the 
unnecessary  attendance  at  taverns,  and  that  they 
maintain  a  watchful,  religious  guard  respecting 
other  places  of  public  resort :  that  they  be  not  ex- 
posed to  noisy  company,  and  unprofitable  conversa- 
tion ;  or  betrayed  into  the  use  of  strong  liquors,  by 
which  so  many  have  been  corrupted  both  in  prin- 


TRADE. 


ISl 


ciple  and  practice,  to  the  ruin  of  themselves  and 
their  families.  And  if  any  are  in  danger  on  these 
accounts,  it  is  desired  that  they  may  be  timely  and 
tenderly  treated  with,  in  order  to  convince  them 
of  their  perilous  situation.  — 1746,  1834. 

Considering  the  temptations  and  snares  which 
they  are  exposed  to,  who  keep  houses  of  public 
entertainment,  or  beer-houses,  the  corrupting  in- 
fluence of  many  who  resort  to  them,  and  its  effect 
on  the  children  and  families  so  exposed ;  it  is  the 
judgment  of  this  meeting,  that  our  members  avoid 
engaging  in  such  employments  for  a  livelihood ; 
and  atiend  to  the  pointings  of  pure  wisdom  for 
that  end. — 1777. 

And  it  is  desired  that  Friends  may  endeavor,  as 
far  as  their  influence  extends  in  the  community,  to 
prevent  the  unnecessary  increase  of  taverns,  and 
be  cautious  of  signing  petitions  in  behalf  of  those 
who  may  apply  for  licenses  on  that  account. — 
1738. 


TRADE. 

IT  being  evident  that  where  the  manifestations 
and  restraints  of  the  Spirit  of  Truth  are  duly 
prized  and  regarded,  it  leads  out  of  a  bondage  to 
the  spirit  of  this  world,  and  preserves  the  minds 
of  its  followers  from  many  fettering  and  disqualify- 


132 


TEADE. 


ing  entanglements ;  and  contrary  wise,  that  an  in- 
ordinate love  and  pursuit  of  worldly  riches,  often 
betrays  those  who  are  captivated  by  them,  into 
many  difficulties  and  dangers,  to  the  great  obstruc- 
tion of  the  work  of  Truth  in  the  heart ;  we  affec- 
tionately desire  that  the  counsel  and  gracious 
promise  of  our  blessed  Redeemer  to  his  followers 
may  be  remembered  and  duly  regarded  by  us: 
"  Seek  ye  first  the  kingdom  of  God  and  his  right- 
eousness, and  all  these  things  shall  be  added  unto 
you."  — 1695  to  1746. 

This  meeting  being  earnestly  concerned  that  the 
service  of  our  religious  Society  may  not  be  ob- 
structed, or  its  reputation  dishonored,  by  any  im- 
prudence of  its  members  in  their  worldly  engage- 
ments, recommends  to  all,  that  they  be  careful  not 
to  venture  upon  such  business  as  they  do  not  well 
understand ;  nor  to  launch  out  in  trade  beyond 
their  abilities,  and  at  the  risk  of  others  ;  especially 
on  the  credit  which  may  be  derived  from  a  profes- 
sion of  the  Truth :  but  that  they  bound  their 
engagements  by  their  means;  and  when  they  enter 
into  contracts,  or  give  their  words,  that  they  en- 
deavor on  all  occasions  strictly  to  fulfil  them. 

We  particularly  exhort,  that  none  engage  in 
such  concerns,  as  depend  on  the  often  deceptive 
probabilities  of  hazardous  enterprises ;  but  rather 
content  themselves  with  such  a  plain  and  moderate 
way  of  living,  as  is  consistent  with  the  self-denying 
principle  we  make  profession  of ;  whereby  many 


TRADE. 


133 


disappointments  and  grievous  perplexities  may  be 
avoided,  and  that  tranquillity  of  mind  obtained, 
which  is  inseparable  from  the  right  enjoyment  even 
of  temporal  things.  And  it  is  advised,  that  where 
any  among  us  err,  or  are  in  danger  of  erring  in 
these  respects,  they  be  faithfully  and  timely  admon- 
ished.—1724  to  1746. 

"Where  overseers  or  other  concerned  Friends, 
have  reason  to  fear  that  any  person  or  family,  by 
living  above  their  means,  or  from  a  want  of  punc- 
tuality in  fulfilling  their  contracts,  or  any  other 
cause,  are  declining  in  their  circumstances,  and 
likely  to  fail,  it  is  recommended  that  such  be 
seasonably  treated  with,  and,  if  it  appear  requisite, 
advised  to  call  their  creditors  together  without 
delay.  And  if,  notwithstanding  this  advice,  such 
persons  still  persist  and  run  into  embarrassment,  to 
the  loss  of  others  and  to  their  own  disreputation, 
the  Preparative  and  thence  the  Monthly  Meeting  to 
which  they  belong,  ought  to  be  timely  informed 
thereof,  and  proceed  to  deal  with  them  according 
to  our  rules  ;  when,  if  this  labor  also  prove  ineffec- 
tual, a  testimony  of  denial  is  to  be  issued  against 
them.— 1710. 

It  is  recommended  that  Friends  frequently  in- 
spect the  state  of  their  affairs,  and  keep  their  ac- 
counts so  clear  and  accurate,  that  they  may,  at  any 
time,  easily  know  whether  they  live  within  the 
bounds  of  their  circumstances  or  not ;  and,  in  case 
of  death,  that  these  may  not  be  perplexing  to  sur- 
12* 


134 


TRADE. 


vivors.  And  whenever  an j  find  that  they  have  no 
more  property  left  than  is  sufiicient  to  discharge 
their  just  debts,  it  is  advised,  that  they  immedi- 
ately consult  with  some  judicious  Friends,  and, 
without  loss  of  time,  make  their  circumstances 
known  to  their  creditors,  carefully  avoiding  the 
payment  of  one  in  preference  to  another,  that  so 
none  may  be  injured,  nor  any  reproach  be  incurred 
by  mismanagement.  — 1782. 

It  is  advised  that  where  failures  occur,  and  the 
cases  are  under  the  care  of  Monthly  Meetings,  that 
the  Friends  appointed  to  visit  the  parties,  inquire 
of  their  assignees  or  trustees  how  their  deficiencies 
have  happened,  and  report  accordingly. — It  is  the 
judgment  of  this  meeting,  that  neither  Monthly  nor 
other  Meetings  should  receive  subscriptions,  dona- 
tions, or  bequests,  from  persons  so  circumstanced, 
until  they  have  paid  oft'  their  deficiencies,  or  are 
voluntarily  acquitted  thereof  by  their  creditors : 
for  it  should  be  remembered,  that  though,  in  such 
cases,  the  defaulter  may  have  been  legally  dis- 
charged, the  property  he  may  afterwards  acquire 
is  not  properly  his  own,  till  he  has  fairly  paid  off 
his  former  debts,  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  creditors. 
"Wherefore  we  further  advise,  that  if  any  such 
person  or  persons,  on  being  suitably  reminded  of 
their  duty  in  this  respect,  shall  refuse  to  comply 
therewith,  inquiry  be  made  into  the  reason,  and  if 
it  be  not  such  as  shall  satisfy  the  Monthly  Meet- 
ings of  which  they  are  members,  and  they  cannot 


TRADE, 


135 


b«  prevailed  with,  the  said  meetings,  after  a  proper 
time  of  labor  and  forbearance,  should  issue  a  testi- 
mony of  denial  against  them.  — 1782. 

Advised,  that  when  Friends  accept  the  office  of 
trustee  or  assignee,  they  be  active  in  collecting  the 
effects  of  the  estate,  and  punctual  and  speedy  in 
making  distribution.  —  That  Friends  everywhere 
carefully  avoid  being  any  way  concerned  in  de- 
frauding the  government  of  its  duties;  that  so  our 
ancient  testimony  in  this  respect  may  be  inviolably 
maintained.  — 1755,  1796. 

If  any  member  is  complained  of  for  withholding 
a  just  debt,  he  or  she  should  be  tenderly  urged  to 
payment;  and  if  this  is  unavailing,  be  dealt  with 
as  in  other  cases  of  disorderly  conduct.  And  if 
any  of  our  members  appear  unable  to  satisfy  their 
creditors,  they  should  be  advised  to  call  them  to- 
gether without  loss  of  time,  and  submit  the  state 
of  their  affairs  to  their  inspection :  when,  if  the 
creditors  apprehend  a  surrender  of  the  debtor's 
effects  to  aSvsignees,  for  the  benefit  of  the  whole,  to 
be  necessarj^  let  him  or  her  be  earnestly  entreated 
to  consent ;  and  if  they  refuse  so  to  do,  the  Monthly 
Meeting  should  be  informed  thereof ;  when,  if  the 
party  still  persist  in  refusing,  he  or  she  should  be 
disowned  without  too  long  delay.  — 1710,  1719, 
1806. 

It  is  the  judgment  of  this  meeting,  that  if  persons 
so  failing  in  their  circumstances,  should  at  any  time 
afterwards  be  favored  with  full  ability  to  pay  off 


136 


TRADE. 


their  deficiencies,  justice  will  require  it  of  tliem, 
notwithstanding  a  composition  with,  and  legal  dis- 
charge from  their  creditors,  may  have  been  ob- 
tained. This  is,  however,  not  meant  to  furnish 
any  creditor  with  a  pretext  for  advancing  such 
claims,  while  persons  so  deficient  are  honestly 
laboring  to  retrieve  their  circumstances ;  nor  until 
it  shall  clearly  appear  to  their  respective  Monthly 
Meetings,  or  to  a  solid  committee  thereof,  that  a 
sufficient  ability  is  arrived  at ;  when,  if  they  are 
requested  to  comply,  and  persist  in  refusing,  the 
said  meetings  should  proceed  to  disown  them.  — 
1710,  1719,  1806. 

We  warn  our  members  against  a  pernicious  prac- 
tice amongst  the  trading  part  of  the  community, 
which  has  often  issued  in  the  ruin  of  those  con- 
cerned therein,  viz.,  that  of  raising  and  circulating 
a  kind  of  paper  credit,  with  endorsements,  to  give 
it  an  appearance  of  value,  without  an  intrinsic 
reality;  a  practice  which,  as  it  appears  to  be  in- 
consistent with  the  truth  we  profess,  we  declare 
our  disapprobation  of,  and  entreat  every  member 
of  our  Society  to  avoid  and  discourage. 

We  also  caution  all  in  membership  with  us  to 
avoid  entering  into  joint  securities  with  others, 
under  the  specious  plea  of  rendering  acts  of  kind- 
ness ;  many  by  so  doing,  having  been  suddenly 
ruined,  and  their  innocent  wives  and  children  re- 
duced to  deplorable  circumstances.  "  Be  not  thou," 
said  the  wise  man,  "one  of  them  that  strike  hands; 


TRADE. 


137 


or  of  them  that  are  sureties  for  debts.  If  thou 
hast  nothing  to  pay,  why  should  he  take  away  thy 
bed  from  under  thee.'" — 1806. 

We  affectionately  desire,  that  Friends  may  hum- 
bly wait  for  Divine  counsel  in  all  their  engage- 
ments, and  duly  attend  to  the  secret  intimations 
and  restrictions  of  the  Spirit  of  Truth  in  their 
business  and  trading,  not  suffering  their  minds  to 
be  hurried  away  by  an  inordinate  desire  of  worldly 
riches ;  remembering  the  observation  of  the  Apostle 
in  his  day,  and  so  often  sorrowfully  verified  in  ours, 
that  "  They  who  will  be  rich,  fall  into  temptation 
and  a  snare;"  and  erring  from  the  faith,  "pierce 
themselves  through  with  many  sorrows."  Even 
when  riches,  to  any  extraordinary  degree,  have 
been  amassed  by  the  successful  industry  of  parents, 
how  often  have  they  proved  like  wings  to  their 
children,  carrying  them  beyond  the  limitations  of 
Truth,  into  liberties  repugnant  to  our  religious 
testimonies,  and  sometimes  into  enterprises,  which 
have  terminated  in  irreparable  damage  to  their 
temporal  affairs,  if  not  an  entire  forgetfulness  of 
the  great  work  of  the  soul's  salvation. — 1806. 

"W^hen  any  member  of  our  religious  Society,  in 
trade  or  business,  becomes  unable  to  discharge  his 
or  her  debts,  the  overseers  should  take  an  early  op- 
portunity to  ascertain  the  circumstances  of  the 
case,  and  spread  the  same  before  the  Preparative 
Meeting,  in  order  that  it  may  be  regularly  for- 
warded to  the  ^Monthly  Meeting;  and  if  it  shaP 


138 


TRADE. 


appear  that  sucli  failure  has  arisen  from  a  want  of 
due  attention  to  the  advices  of  this  meeting,  on 
the  subject  of  trade  and  business,  and  has  brought 
reproach  on  our  religious  profession,  the  Monthly 
Meeting  should  issue  a  testimony  of  disownment 
of  the  individual. — 1816. 

It  is  also  the  judgment  of  this  meeting,  that 
when  any  of  our  members  are  about  to  assign  their 
property,  their  creditors  should  be  consulted,  if 
practicable,  and  have  the  liberty  of  appointing  as- 
signees to  take  charge  of  the  effects  ;  which  should 
be  assigned  without  any  reservation  or  other  con- 
dition, than  a  distribution  of  the  effects  among  the 
creditors,  according  to  their  respective  dues ;  and 
if  the  party  do  not  so  proceed,  the  case  shall  be 
issued  as  is  directed  in  the  preceding  paragraph.  — 
1816. 

A  fear  has  attended  the  minds  of  Friends,  re- 
specting the  exposure  to  evil  company  and  the  dan- 
ger of  forming  corrupt  habits,  to  which  young  men 
are  subjected  at  boarding-houses,  where  they  are 
without  the  counsel  and  proper  restraints  of  judi- 
cious care-takers.  The  preservation  of  their  prin- 
ciples and  morals  is  of  the  first  moment  to  our 
beloved  young  friends,  paramount  to  all  the  advan- 
tages of  trade,  and  to  any  sacrifice  they  can  make, 
in  choosing  a  business,  which  may  afford  compara- 
tively a  small  profit,  where  the  liability  to  evil  in- 
fluences is  not  so  great.  When  this  choice  is  about 
to  be  made,  it  calls  for  the  serious  cousideration  of 


WAB.  189 

the  young  people  and  their  parents  or  guardians, 
particularly  before  deciding  to  come  from  the  coun- 
try into  a  populous  city,  where  snares  and  tempta- 
tions abound,  of  which  they  may  yet  be  wholly 
ignorant,  but  which,  if  they  are  exposed  to  them, 
may  lay  waste  their  moral  standing,  and  even  jeop- 
ardize the  salvation  of  the  soul.  Where  there  is 
an  honest  desire  to  seek  first  the  kingdom  of  God 
and  the  righteousness  thereof,  with  a  single  eye  to 
the  Lord  for  direction,  we  believe  he  will  point  out 
the  proper  place,  and  the  mode  for  his  children  to 
provide  things  honest  in  the  sight  of  all  men,'* 
and  to  serve  him  according  to  his  blessed  will,  in 
doing  which  they  will  partake  of  true  peace  and  the 
right  enjoyment  of  the  things  of  this  life. — 1853. 


AVAR. 

FRIEXDS  are  exhorted  faithfully  to  adhere  to 
our  ancient  testimony  against  wars  and  fight- 
ings, and  in  no  way  to  nnite  with  any  in  warlike 
measures,  either  ofiensive  or  defensive,  that  by  the 
inofifensiveness  of  our  conduct,  we  may  convinc- 
ingly demonstrate  ourselves  to  be  real  subjects  of 
the  Messiah's  peaceful  reign,  and  be  instrumental 
in  the  promotion  thereof,  towards  its  desired  com- 
pletion ;  when,  according  to  ancient  prophecy,  "  The 


140 


WAR. 


earth  shall  he  full  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord, 
as  the  waters  cover  the  sea;  and  its  inhahitanta 
shall  learn  war  no  more." 

When  goods  have  heen  distrained  from  any 
Friends,  on  account  of  their  refusal  to  pay  fines 
for  non-performance  of  military  services,  and  the 
officers,  after  deducting  the  fines  and  costs,  propose 
to  return  the  remainder,  it  is  the  sense  of  this 
meeting,  that  Friends  should  maintain  their  testi- 
mony hy  suffering,  and  not  accept  such  overplus, 
unless  the  same  or  a  part  of  it  is  returned  without 
a  change  of  the  species.  — 1755. 

It  is  declared  to  be  the  sense  of  this  meeting, 
that  furnishing  wagons,  or  other  means  for  con- 
veying of  military-  stores,  is  a  military  service,  and 
that  the  care  of  elders,  overseers,  and  all  faithful 
Friends,  should  be  extended  in  true  love  and  Chris- 
tian tenderness,  to  such  as  deviate  herein,  in  order 
to  convince  them  of  their  error. — 1758. 

It  is  the  judgment  of  this  meeting,  that  a  tas"^ 
levied  for  the  purchasing  of  drums,  colors,  or  for 
other  warlike  uses,  cannot  be  paid  consistently  with 
our  Christian  testimony. — 1776. 

This  meeting  fervently  recommends  to  the  deep 
attention  of  all  our  members,  that  they  be  religiously 
guarded  against  approving  or  showing  the  least 
connivance  at  war,  either  by  attending  at,  or  view- 
ing of  military  operations,  or  in  any  wise  encour- 
aging the  unstable  deceitful  spirit  of  party,  by 
joining  with  political  devices  or  associations,  how- 


WAR. 


141 


ever  speciously  disguised  under  the  ensnaring  sub- 
tleties commonly  attendant  thereon ;  but  that  they 
sincerely  labor  to  experience  a  settlement  on  the 
alone  sure  foundation,  of  pure  unchangeable  Truth; 
whereby,  through  the  prevalence  of  unfeigned 
Christian  love  and  good- will  to  men,  we  may  con- 
vincingly demonstrate,  that  the  kingdom  we  seek 
is  not  of  this  world.  A  kingdom  and  government 
whose  subjects  are  free  indeed !  redeemed  from 
those  captivating  lusts,  from  whence  come  wars 
and  fightings. — 1798. 

A  living  concern  for  the  advancement  of  our 
testimony  to  the  peaceable  kingdom  of  Christ,  con- 
tinuing to  spread  in  many  minds,  we  fervently  de- 
sire that  the  members  of  our  religious  Society 
may  carefully  avoid  engaging  in  any  trade  or  busi- 
ness promotive  of  war ;  sharing  or  partaking  of 
the  spoils  of  war  by  purchasing  or  selling  prize 
goods ;  importing  or  shipping  goods  in  armed 
vessels ;  paying  taxes  for  the  express  purpose  of 
war  ;  grinding  of  grain,  feeding  of  cattle,  or  selling 
their  property  for  the  use  of  the  army :  that  through 
a  close  attention  to  the  monitions  of  Divine  grace, 
and  guarding  against  the  suppression  of  it  either  in 
themselves  or  others,  they  may  be  preserved  in  a 
conduct  consistent  with  our  holy  profession,  from 
wounding  the  minds  or  increasing  the  sufferings 
of  each  other;  not  at  all  doubting,  that  He  to 
whom  appertains  the  kingdom  and  the  power ;  who 

is  wonderful  in  working,  will  continue  to  carry  on 
13 


142 


WAB. 


and  perfect  his  blessed  cause  of  peace  in  the  earth- 
A  solid  attention  to  this  concern  is  recommended 
to  Quarterly,  Monthly,  and  Preparative  Meetings, 
and  to  our  brethren  in  general :  it  being  the  judg- 
ment of  this  meeting,  that  if  any  of  our  members 
do  either  openly  or  by  connivance,  pay  any  fine, 
penalty  or  tax,  in  lieu  of  personal  service  for  carry- 
ing on  war ;  or  allow  their  children,  apprentices  or 
servants  to  act  therein ;  or  are  concerned  in  arming 
or  equipping  vessels  with  guns,  or  in  dealing  in 
public  Certificates,  issued  as  a  compensation  for  ex- 
penses accrued,  or  services  performed  in  war  ;  that 
they  be  tenderly  dealt  with,  and  if  they  are  not 
brought  to  an  acknowledgment  of  their  error, 
Monthly  Meetings  should  proceed  to  testify  against 
them.  — 1780,  1781. 

It  is  the  sense  and  judgment  of  this  meeting, 
that  it  is  inconsistent  with  our  religious  testimony 
and  principle,  for  any  Friend  to  pay  a  fine  or  tax, 
levied  on  them  on  account  of  their  refusal  to  serve 
in  the  militia,  although  such  fine  or  imposition 
may  be  applied  towards  defraying  the  expenses  of 
civil  government.  And  where  deviations  in  this 
respect  occur,  tender  dealing  and  advice  should  be 
extended  to  the  party,  in  order  to  their  convince- 
ment  and  restoration:  and  if  this  proves  ineftectual, 
Monthly  Meetings  should  proceed  to  testify  against 
them.— 1790. 


WAR. 


148 


A  firm  belief  in,  and  testimony  to,  the  peaceable 
nature  and  spirit  of  the  religion  of  Christ  have 
ever  been  a  distinguishing  characteristic  of  our  So- 
ciety. We  are  convinced  that  war,  under  any  and 
every  circumstance,  is  opposed  to  the  plain  com- 
mands and  the  benign  precepts  of  Christ;  and 
strong  are  our  desires  that  none  of  our  members 
may  be  betrayed,  either  by  plausible  reasoning  or 
by  the  miUtary  spirit^  now  so  prevalent,  into  any 
compromise  of  this  important  testimony.  The 
prophecies  of  holy  men  of  old  give  assurance  that 
the  day  will  come,  when  nations  shall  not  learn 
war  any  more ;  and  we  would  impress  upon  all, 
that  as  we  yield  ourselves  to  the  loving,  lamb-like 
Spirit  of  the^  Prince  of  Peace,  and  scrupulously 
guard  against  sanctioning,  in  any  way,  the  spirit 
and  practices  of  war,  we  thus  avoid  wounding  our 
own  peace  and  grieving  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  aid  in 
the  fulfilment  of  those  heart-cheering  predictions ; 
while  a  contrary  course,  however  it  may  be  palliated 
or  glossed  over,  is  obstructing  the  triumph  of  peace 
on  earth  and  good-will  to  men. — 1865. 


WILLS. 


KNOWIISrGr  how  quickly  many  aie  removed  by 
death,  it  is  weightily  recommended,  that 
Friends  who  have  estates  to  dispose  of,  be  advised 
to  make  their  wills  in  time  of  health,  and  strength 
of  judgment,  and  therein  to  direct  their  substance 
as  in  justice  and  wisdom  may  be  to  their  satisfac- 
tion and  peace  ;  laying  aside  all  resentment,  though 
occasion  may  have  been  given,  lest  it  should  go 
with  them  to  the  grave ;  remembering  we  all  stand 
in  need  of  mercy  and  forgiveness.  Making  such 
wills  in  due  time  can  shorten  no  one's  days,  but  the 
omission,  or  delay  thereof  to  a  time  of  sickness, 
when  the  mind  should  not  be  diverted  from  a 
solemn  consideration  of  the  approaching  awful 
period  of  life,  has  often  proved  very  injurious  to 
many,  and  been  the  occasion  of  creating  animosities 
in  families,  which  the  seasonable  performance  of 
this  necessary  duty  might  have  effectually  pre- 
vented.—1691,  1703. 

Friends  are  earnestly  recommended  to  employ 
persons  skilful  in  the  law,  and  of  good  repute,  to 
make  their  wills,  as  great  inconvenience  and  loss, 
and  sometimes  the  ruin  of  families  have  happened 
through  the  unskilfulness  of  some,  who  have  taken 
upon  them  to  write  wills,  being  unqualified  to  act 
in  a  matter  of  such  importance. — 1782, 1801. 
And  all  Friends  who  may  become  executors  or 

144 


women's  meetings. 


145 


administrators,  are  advised  to  make  a  full,  clear, 
and  perfect  inventory  of  the  estate  and  effects  of 
the  deceased,  early  after  the  interment,  as  many 
difficulties  and  disputes  have  arisen,  and  sometimes 
injustice  been  done  for  want  of  it,  or  by  deferring 
it  too  long.— 1801. 


WOMEK'S  MEETmaS. 

FORASMUCH  as  our  women's  Meetings  for 
Discipline  were  set  up  and  established  in  Di- 
vine wisdom,  and  by  long  experience  have  been 
found  of  advantage,  not  only  to  the  Society  in 
general,  but  to  the  youth  of  their  own  sex  in  par- 
ticular ;  it  is  earnestly  desired,  that  faithful  women 
Friends  may  be  encouraged  to  come  up  to  the  help 
of  their  brethren,  in  that  part  of  the  Discipline  of 
the  church,  properly  claiming  their  attention  and 
care.    On  considerinsr  the  nature  and  extent  where- 

o 

of,  it  is  apprehended  a  benefit  might  accrue,  by  ex- 
plicitly setting  forth  their  distinct  allotment,  and 
separate  services  in  their  Monthly  and  Quarterly 
Meetings,  and  also  in  their  Yearly  Meeting. — 
1796. 

Women's  Monthly  Meetings  are,  First^  To  in- 
spect and  relieve  the  wants  of  the  poor  of  their 
own  sex ;  and  where  their  own  funds  are  insuffi- 
cient, they  are  to  apply  to  the  men's  meetings  for 
13* 


146 


women's  meetings. 


their  aid,  and  for  their  concurrence,  as  cases  shall 
require. 

Second,  To  take  cognizance  of  proposals  of  mar- 
riage, and  appoint  two  of  their  members  to  inquire 
into  the  conversation  and  clearness  of  the  woman ; 
also,  two  to  the  oversight  of  the  marriage. 

Third,  They  are  to  appoint  a  suitable  number 
of  overseers,  who  are  to  treat  with  offenders  of 
their  own  sex ;  that  their  cases  be  laid  before  the 
women's  Preparative  Meeting,  and  if  needful,  the 
same  should  be  spread  before  their  Monthly  Meet- 
ing ;  which  should  proceed  to  deal  further  with 
Buch  delinquents,  and  report  the  result  of  their 
labors  to  the  men's  meeting ;  and  if  further  deal- 
ing is  expedient,  the  men  should  appoint  a  com- 
mittee to  unite  with  the  women  therein ;  the  re- 
port of  which  joint  committee  is  to  be  made  to 
each  meeting  ;  and  the  women  having  considered 
the  same,  are  to  inform  the  men's  meeting  of  their 
sense  thereon,  and  the  subject  to  be  finally  resulted 
by  the  men.  But  when  a  case  is  brought  by  the 
women  into  the  men's  meeting,  if,  on  solid  consid- 
eration there,  further  dealing  does  not  appear  to 
be  needful,  a  committee  of  men  Friends  should  be 
appointed  to  prepare  a  testimony  of  disownment, 
which,  when  approved,  is  to  be  sent  to  the  women's 
meeting  for  their  concurrence,  and  care  in  deliver 
ing  it  to  the  party. — 1796. 

If  a  female  under  dealing  in  the  women's  meet- 
ing removes  into  the  compass  of  another  Monthly 


women's  meetings. 


147 


Meeting ;  or  if  previous  to  or  after  such  removal, 
her  conduct  has  been  such  as  to  require  her  being 
dealt  with  ;  and  her  residence  be  at  so  great  a  dis- 
tance as  to  render  it  inconvenient  for  the  Monthly 
Meeting  to  which  she  belongs,  it  should  by  minute 
transmit  to  the  Monthly  Meeting  of  women  Friends, 
within  the  limits  of  which  the  person  resides,  clear 
information  of  the  state  of  the  case,  and  request  its 
care  in  dealing  with  her  on  their  behalf:  and  when 
*;he  Monthly  Meeting  removed  from,  has  received  an 
account  of  the  effect  of  this  labor,  they  are  then  to 
give  due  information  thereof  to  their  respective 
men's  Monthly  Meeting,  in  order  that  the  business 
may  be  finally  determined. — 1S34. 

Fourth.  On  application  of  a  woman  for  admis- 
sion into  membership,  after  a  religious  care  therein 
hath  been  exercised  by  women  overseers,  and  in  the 
Preparative  Meeting,  as  the  case  may  require,  and 
it  appearing  proper  to  claim  the  attention  of  their 
Monthly  Meeting,  it  should  accordingly  be  referred 
thereto  ;  when,  if  no  obstruction  to  its  further  pro- 
cedure is  discovered,  they  are  to  make  an  appoint- 
ment to  unite  with  a  committee  of  men  Friends,  in 
further  careful  attention  to  the  business ;  the  report 
of  wbich  joint  committee  is  to  be  made  to  each  meet- 
ing; and  the  women's  meeting  having  considered 
•he  same,  are  to  communicate  their  sense  thereon  to 
he  men's  meeting,  where  the  subject  shall  be  con- 
sidered and  finally  resulted. — 1796,  1S34. 

K  a  womar  who  has  been  disowned,  presents  to 


148 


WOMEN^S  MEETINGS. 


the  women's  MontMj  Meeting  an  acknowledgment 
of  her  offence,  and  applies  for  reinstatement  into 
membership  ;  unless  there  is  just  ground  of  uneasi- 
ness and  dissatisfaction  therewith,  they  are  to  lay 
the  case  before  the  men's  Monthly  Meeting,  which 
is  to  determine  how  or  in  what  manner  it  is  to  be 
issued :  but  if,  although  the  way  does  not  then  ap- 
pear clear  to  accept  the  said  offering,  the  men's 
meeting  shall  judge  that  religious  care  therein 
should  be  extended  by  a  visit  to  the  party  or  other- 
wise, the  women's  meeting  is  to  make  an  appoint- 
ment to  join  a  committee  of  men  Friends  for  this 
purpose,  the  report  of  which  joint  committee  is  to 
be  made  to  each  meeting ;  and  the  women's  meeting 
having  considered  the  same,  are  to  communicate 
their  sense  thereon  to  the  men's  meeting,  where  the 
case  is  to  be  considered  and  finally  resulted. — 1834. 

If  a  pei^son,  while  under  dealiug  in  the  women's 
Monthly  Meeting,  makes  an  acknowledgment  of 
her  transgression,  and  the  meeting,  on  an  impartial 
solid  consideration  thereof,  believes  that  she  is  not 
in  a  state  to  make  such  an  offering  as  embraces  the 
nature  of  the  case,  and  gives  evidence  of  true  con- 
viction, they  are  to  extend  such  further  care  therein, 
as  may  appear  requisite;  and  when  they  shall  have 
discharged  their  duty,  and  feel  clear  of  the  case, 
they  are  to  inform  the  men's  Monthly  Meeting  that 
such  a  case  had  engaged  their  care  and  labor,  and 
that  although  the  party  had  presented  an  acknowl- 
edgment, yet  their  meeting,  upon  weighty  deliber- 


women's  meetings. 


149 


ation,  was  not  easy  to  encourage  its  acceptance; 
and  then  leave  it  to  the  judgment  and  decision  of 
the  men's  meeting :  but  if  they  should  be  satisfied 
that  an  individual  under  dealing  has  been  brought 
to  a  due  sense  of  her  deviation,  they  are  to  impart 
the  whole  case  to  the  men's  meeting  ;  and  unless 
this  meeting  is  most  easy  then  to  conclude  the 
business,  the  women  are  to  make  an  appointment 
to  unite  with  a  committee  of  men  Friends,  in  re- 
newed religious  ^tttention  thereto ;  the  report  of 
which  united  committee  is  to  be  made  to  each 
meeting,  and  determined  in  like  manner  as  before 
directed. — The  authority  for  disowning  a  member, 
or  receiving  a  person  into  membership,  must  always 
rest  in  the  men's  meeting^. — 1834. 

Fifth.  They  are  to  join  in  certificates  of  removal 
for  women  Friends  ;  in  order  whereto,  the  women's 
Monthly  Meeting  is  to  appoint  two  or  more  of  their 
members  to  make  the  necessary  inquiry,  that  the 
same  may  be  prepared ;  which,  after  being  con- 
sidered in  the  women's,  is  to  be  laid  before  the 
men's  meeting ;  and  when  there  approved  and 
signed,  returned  to  the  women's  meeting  for  their 
signature  ;  but  if  the  certificate  is  intended  to  in- 
clude one  or  more  males,  they  are  then  to  report 
the  result  of  their  inquiry  to  the  Friends  named  on 
the  like  inquiry  by  the  men's  meeting ;  and  the 
certificate,  after  having  been  prepared,  approved 
and.  signed,  in  the  men's  meeting,  is  to  be  sent  to 
the  women's  meeting  for  their  concurrence  and  sign» 


150 


women's  meetings. 


ing.  All  certificates  received  for  women  Friends 
are  to  be  laid  before  the  men's  meeting,  before  they 
can  be  fully  accepted  by  the  women's  meeting. — 
1796. 

Sixth.  When  a  female  minister  apprehends  her- 
self under  a  religious  engagement  to  travel  iu  the 
service  of  Truth,  she  is  first  to  spread  her  concern 
before  the  women's  Monthly  Meeting,  and  if  united 
with,  the  same  is  to  be  laid  before  the  men's  meet- 
ing, whose  result  is  to  be  communicated  to  the 
women's  meeting  ;  and  when  a  certificate  for  that 
purpose  is  prepared  by  a  committee  of  men  and 
women  Friends,  and  being  approved  and  signed  by 
the  men's  meeting,  it  is  to  be  sent  to  the  women's 
meeting  for  their  concurrence  and  signing.  — 1796. 

Seventh.  Eespecting  the  nomination  of  an  elder, 
eee  the  rule  under  the  head  "  Ministers  and  Elders," 
page  82. 

Eighth.  The  women's  Preparative  Meetings,  where 
more  than  one  constitutes  a  Monthly  Meeting,  are 
to  consider  and  answer  the  queries  ;  which  is  like- 
wise to  be  done  in  their  Monthly  Meetings  ;  from 
which  they  are  to  report  the  state  of  each  Monthly 
Meeting,  to  their  respective  Quarterly  Meeting ;  to 
attend  which  as  their  representatives,  they  should 
nominate  two  or  more  of  their  members.  — 1796. 

Women's  meetings  are  to  answer  no  other  than 
the  first  eight  queries,  as  usual ;  but  it  is  desired, 
that  in  their  Monthly  Meetings,  care  may  be  ex- 
tended to  convey  to  the  men's  meeting,  such  in- 


women's  meetings. 


151 


formation  as  may  be  necessary  for  tlie  preservation 
of  a  regular  record  of  births  and  deaths. — 1807. 

WOMEN'S  QUARTERLY  MEETINGS. 

First.  When  a  female  minister,  under  a  religious 
concern  to  travel  in  the  service  of  Truth,  produces 
to  the  Quarterly  Meeting  a  certificate  of  the  appro- 
bation of  the  Monthly  fleeting  of  which  she  is  a 
member,  if  the  concern  is  concurred  with  in  the 
women's  meeting,  it  is  to  be  submitted  to  the  men's 
meeting,  and  when  approved,  an  endorsement  to 
that  effect  should  be  made  on  the  certificate,  signed 
by  the  clerk,  and  returned  to  the  women's  meeting, 
for  signing  by  their  clerk. 

Second.  They  are  to  receive  the  written  accounts 
sent  from  the  respective  women's  Monthly  Meet- 
ings, and  transmit  the  collected  answers  to  the 
queries,  with  such  other  matters  as  appear  needful, 
to  the  women's  Yearly  Meeting ;  to  attend  the 
service  whereof,  each  Quarterly  Meeting  is  to  ap- 
point a  suitable  number  of  representatives.  See 
Discipline. 

Third.  They  are  to  communicate  to  their  respec- 
tive Monthly  Meetings  such  advices  as  they  appre- 
hend necessary,  with  any  epistles  or  writings  issued 
for  that  purpose  by  their  Yearly  Meeting;  nomi- 
nate  committees,  at  the  request  of  the  men's  meet- 
ing, to  visit  their  Monthly  Meetings,  or  for  any 
other  service  which  the  men's  meeting  shall  judge 


152 


WOMEN^S  MEETINGS. 


expedient ;  and  in  all  respects  they  are  to  attend  to 
those  matters  which  may  properly  come  under  tho 
notice  and  care  of  women's  Quarterly  Meetings.  — 
1796. 

YEARLY  MEETING  OF  WOMEN  FRIENDS, 

Held  annually  in  Philadelphia,  at  the  time  of 
holding  this  meeting ;  is  at  liberty  to  correspond 
with  any  other  Yearly  Meetings  of  their  own  sex, 
either  in  America  or  elsewhere,  and  to  issue  such 
counsel  and  admonition  to  their  own  Quarterly  and 
Monthly  Meetings,  as  in  the  w^isdom  of  Truth  shall 
appear  conducive  to  real  benefit  and  mutual  edifi- 
cation ;  but  the  said  Yearly  Meeting  is  not  to  hear 
or  determine  on  any  appeal,  nor  at  liberty  to  make 
or  alter  any  rules  of  Discipline  or  queries.  — 1685. 

They  are  to  have  stock  of  their  own,  for  such 
services  as  may  fall  more  properly  under  their 
notice.  — 1705. 

Finally,  it  is  desired  that  a  fair  record  be  kept 
of  the  minutes  and  proceedings  of  the  Yearly,  Quar- 
terly and  Monthly  Meetings  of  women  Friends ;  and 
that  annually  their  representatives  to  the  Yearly 
Meeting  exercise  a  proper  religious  care  in  the 
choice  of  a  clerk. — 1796. 

At  the  request  of  the  men's  meetings,  their 
Monthly,  Quarterly,  and  Yearly  Meetings  are  to 
appoint  committees,  to  unite  with  like  committees 
of  the  men's  meetings,  in  the  setting  up  or  laying 
down  of  Preparative,  Monthly,  and  Quarterly  Meet 
ings.— 1834, 


YEARLY  MEETIXa. 

IT  appears  by  the  records,  that  the  first  Yearly 
Meeting  was  held  at  Burlington,  ]S'ew  Jersey, 
the  31st  day  of  the  6th  month,  1681,  old  style,  for 
the  provinces  of  Pennsylvania  and  IS'ew  Jersey. 
Although  in  the  early  settlement  of  Friends  in 
this  country,  several  meetings  were  held  which 
were  then  called  Yearly  Meetings  ;  yet  in  1683,  it 
being  clearly  evident  that  a  meeting  ought  to  be 
constituted,  which  should  be  vested  with  a  super- 
intending care  and  jurisdiction,  over  all  the  meet- 
ings in  those  two  provinces  and  parts  adjacent; 
the  Yearly  Meetings  in  other  provinces  were  ac- 
cordingly informed  of  this  concern,  and  requested 
to  give  their  judgment  upon  a  proposition  so  im- 
portant and  interesting  to  the  Society :  a  united 
concurrence  therewith  being  freely  given,  and 
Friends  from  ]K'ew  Jersey  and  Pennsylvania,  to- 
gether with  a  number  of  Friends  from  other  parts, 
having  generally  assembled  at  the  Yearly  Meeting 
held  in  Philadelphia,  the  loth  of  7th  month,  1685, 
it  was  then  unanimously  concluded,  that  hence- 
forward there  should  be  one  Yearly  and  General 
^Meeting,  held  for  the  provinces  of  Pennsylvania 
and  Xew  Jersey  ;  the  next  year  at  Burlington,  and 
the  following  year  at  Philadelphia,  and  so  on  alter 
nately.  It  was  further  concluded,  that  Friends  in 
the  ministrv  should  meet  together  on  first-day 
H     "  153 


154 


YEARLY  MEETING. 


morning,  at  the  seventh  hour,  hefore  the  public 
General  Meetings. 

The  Yearly  Meeting  having  assembled  at  Bur- 
lington at  the  time  appointed,  in  1686,  it  was 
opened  under  the  title  of  "A  General  Yearly  Meet- 
ing held  for  Friends  of  Pennsylvania,  East  and 
•"West  Jerseys,  and  of  the  adjacent  Provinces." 
At  this  meeting  it  was  concluded,  that  two  or 
more  Friends  be  appointed  out  of  every  Quarterly 
Meeting,  to  attend  the  meeting  as  representatives  ; 
and  such  accordingly  attended  in  that  capacity,  in 
1687.  The  Yearly  Meeting  thus  constituted  and 
established,  continuing  to  be  held  alternately  at 
Burlington  and  Philadelphia,  the  time  of  holding  it 
was,  in  1755,  changed  to  the  9th  month,  present 
style.  In  1760,  it  was  concluded  to  be  held  at  the 
same  time  in  Philadelphia  only  ;  and  in  1798,  the 
time  of  holding  it  was  altered  to  the  third  Second 
day  in  the  4th  month,  as  it  now  is.  The  Yearly 
Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders,  to  be  on  the 
Seventh  day  of  the  week  preceding ;  and  both  to 
begin  at  the  tenth  hour. 

It  is  agreed,  that  such  Friends  as  may  be  ap- 
pointed to  prepare  Epistles,  shall  meet  together 
before  they  proceed  on  the  service ;  and  subse- 
quently, that  they  examine  the  several  essays  pre- 
viously to  their  being  laid  before  this  meeting. — 
1724. 

All  letters  or  papers  directed  to  the  Yearly 
Meeting,  except  from  such  meetings  as  regularly 


YEARLY  MEETING. 


155 


correspond  there^vith,  are  to  be  first  pernsed  by  a 
few  Friends  to  be  appointed,  who  are  to  consider 
and  report  whether  the  same  be  proper  to  be  read 
in  this  meeting  or  not.  The  same  order  is  to  be 
observed  in  the  Quarterly  and  Monthly  Meetings, 
as  regards  any  papers  offered  to  their  notice,  which 
are  not  recognized  or  provided  for  in  the  rules  of 
our  Discipline.— 1695,  1834. 

The  representatives  appointed  bv  the  Quarterly 
Meetings,  are  to  stay  together  at  the  close  of  the 
first  sitting  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  in  each  year, 
to  consider  of  a  suitable  Friend  to  serve  the  meet- 
ing as  clerk,  and  a  Friend  to  assist  him  ;  and  to 
make  report  to  the  next  sitting  of  the  meeting. 
The  clerk  of  the  preceding  year  is,  according  to 
our  ancient  practice,  to  act  as  clerk  until  another 
is  appointed  by  the  Yearly  Meeting ;  but  if,  through 
sickness,  or  any  other  cause,  he  is  likely  to  be  pre- 
vented from  attending,  the  Meeting  for  Sufferings, 
previous  to  the  commencement  of  the  Yearly 
Meeting,  is  to  take  due  care  that  the  business 
which  is  to  come  before  the  meeting,  be  not  ob- 
structed or  delayed,  for  want  of  requisite  attention 
to  the  reports  and  documents  which  are  forwarded ; 
that  thus  the  meeting  may  be  regularly  opened  at 
the  time  appointed.  — 1834. 

"When  extracts  from  the  minutes  of  this  meeting 
are  ordered  to  be  sent  to  the  Quarterly  Meetings,  a 
full  copy  shall  be  sent  by  each  of  those  meetings 
to  their  respective  Monthly  Meetings,  and  by  the 


156 


YEARLY  MEETIKCJ. 


Monthly  to  eacli  of  their  Preparative  Meetings,  itt 
order  that  each  meeting  may  have  a  copy  thereof, 
to  have  recourse  to  as  occasions  may  require. — 
1754. 

The  certificates  of  such  Friends,  members  of 
other  Yearly  Meetings,  who  from  a  religious  con- 
cern are  drawn  to  attend  this,  are  to  be  read  here- 
in.—1801. 


INDEX. 


A. 

PAOB 

ACCOMMODATION  PAPER  in  trade,  disapproved,     ,  135 

ACCOUNTS  of  Sufferings  to  be  forwarded  annually,    ,  55 

Mode  of  stating  them,   80 

Of  places  of  deposit  of  papers,  minutes,  title-deeds, 

etc.,   76c 

Of  deceased  ministers  and  elders  to  be  forwarded 

yearly,  83,  115 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS— to  be  prepared  in  writing,  sub- 
mitted to  overseers,  and  may  be  presented  by  the 

party,   9 

If  the  party  resides  within  the  limits  of  a  distant 

Monthly  Meeting,  it  is  to  be  written  to,      .       .  9 

Not  always  to  recite  causes  of  disownment,    .       .  10 

Not  read  in  meetings  for  worship,          ...  ]0 

Of  offences  to  remove  scandal,       ....  36 

Hasty  acceptance  of,  injurious,       ....  76 

Of  disowned  females  for  reinstatement,  how  treated,   147,  148 

Of  females  under  care,  ...        ...  148 

ADMINISTRATORS,  EXECUTORS,  etc.,  to  resort  to 

law  where  it  appears  indispensable,    ...  20 

Not  to  act  where  there  are  slaves  bequeathed,        .  125 

To  make  complete  inventory  early  after  interment,  145 
ADMISSIONS  of  persons  into  membership,  .       .       .39,  147 

ADVICES  to  be  read  annually,     ....  113 

H»  157 


158 


INDEX. 


PAGS 

AFFAIRS  of  the  church,  how  conducted,      .       .       .53,  57, 114 


outward,  to  be  inspected  annually,        ,       ,       .  114 

APPAREL,  plainness  of,   108 

APPEALS,   10 

Appellant  to  be  furnished  with  minute,  or  testimony 

of  disunion,   10 

To  notify  the  first  or  second  Monthly  Meeting,      .  11 

Committee,  or  respondents,  to  be  appointed  to  attend 
the  Quarter,  with  minutes  of  the  proceedings, 
signed  by  the  clerk  or  clerks,      ....  11 

Notification  to  be  read  in  Quarterly  Meeting  after 

representatives  are  called,   11 

Committee  appointed  to  hear  appellant,         .       .  11 

Appellant  and  respondents  may  each  object  to  three,  11 

Parties  not  to  digress  from  the  subject,  nor  any 

member  to  express  an  opinion  in  their  presence,  12 

Report  in  writing,  annulling  or  confirming  the  de- 
cision below,   12 

Early  information  to  be  given  to  parties,       .       .  13 

Decision  of  Monthly  Meeting  to  be  affirmed,  in  a 
breach  of  Discipline,  where  proceedings  have 
been  correct,       .......  13 

Right  to  appeal  to  Yearly  Meeting,  to  notify  the 

next  Quarterly  Meeting,      .....  18 

Respondents  to  be  appointed  to  attend  Yearly  Meet- 
ing with  certified  copies  of  proceedings  of  both 
meetings,     ........  13 

Appointment  of  Yearly  Meeting's  Committee,  and 


course  pursued,  14, 16 

Monthly  Meetings  may  appeal  from  the  decision  of 

the  Quarterly,      .   15 

Appellant  not  appearing  loses  his  right,  unless  pre- 


vented by  sufficient  cause,  .....  16 
Appeals  to  a  Quarter,  composed  of  two  Monthly 

Meetings,  to  be  referred  to  Yearly  Meeting,       .  16 

APPOINTMENTS  in  meetings  to  be  made  with  care,  .  65 
APPRENTICES  removing,  their  guardians  to  apply  for 

certificates,  81 


INDEX. 


159 


PAGB 


And  children  to  be  encouraged  to  attend  divine 

worship,   81 

ARBITRATIONS,   17 

Party  aggrieved  to  request  the  other  to  comply  with 

the  demand,  in  presence  of  overseers,        .       .  17 

Choice  of  arbitrators,  and  bond  to  abide  their  de- 
cision,        ........  17 

Arbitrators  to  proceed  promptly,  listening  to  neither 

party  separately,  nor  disclosing  their  opinions,  .  17 

Either  party  refusing  to  submit  the  matter,  give  at- 
tendance, or  abide  by  the  award,  to  be  complained 
of  to  Preparative  or  Monthly  Meeting,       .       .  18 

An  erroneous  or  unjust  award  cause  of  rehearing,  18 

The  matter  again  referred  if  the  meeting  thinks 
proper,  and  on  further  refusal  to  comply,  to  be 
disowned,    ........  18 

Arbitrators  mny  consult  counsel  in  the  law,    .       .  18 

They  should  shun  previous  information,  and  stand 

unbiassed,   ........  19 

To  reject  no  evidence,  nor  receive  any  in  absence  of 

parties,   19 

Circumstances  which  warrant  an  appeal  to  the  law,  19 

Certain  cases  to  be  settled  without  reference,       .  20 

Preparative  Meeting  to  appoint  a  committee  to  judge, 

and  the  matter  disposed  of  accordingly,      .       .  20 

Advised  that  ministers  be  not  employed  as  arbi- 
trators,       ........  21 

ARDENT  SPIRITS.    See  Spirituous  Liquors,       .       .  127 

Distilling,  or  trading  in,  disownable,  .  .  .  129 
ARMING  VESSELS,  or  shipping  in  them,  testified 

against,       ........  142 

ASCENSION  of  Jesus  Christ,  123 

ASSIGNEES,  or  Trustees,  to  be  prompt  in  discharging 

duties,   135 

ASSIGNMENTS  of  insolvent  persons  to  be  without  reser- 
vation,  138 


ATONEMENT  of  Jesus  Christ,   27,  36,  37 


160 


INDEX. 


AUTHORITY  of  meetings — ^the  love,  power,  and  spirit 

of  Christ,   55 

B. 

BANKRUPTCY,  a  cause  for  proceeding  at  law,    ,      ,  19 
Inquiry  to  be  made  into  the  causes  of,    .       ,       .  134^  137 

Subscriptions,  etc.,  not  to  be  taken  from  bankrupts,  134 
Course  of  proceeding  with  insolvent  debtors,  .  135^  137 
Persons  becoming  fully  solvent  required  to  discharge 

their  former  debts,  134^  I35 

Danger  of  inordinate  pursuit  of  wealth,         .       ,  137 

Creditors  to  be  consulted  in  assignments,       ,       .  138 

BEQUESTS  and  donations  to  be  strictly  applied,  .       .  61 

Not  to  be  received  from  insolvent  members,   .       ,  134 

BIRTHS  AND  BURIALS,   21 

Moderation  in  provision  at  burials,  gravity  and  de- 
corum advised,     .      '   21 

Suitable  Friends  to  be  appointed  to  attend,  and  the 

corpse  to  be  removed  in  an  hour,        ...  22 
Caution  not  to  attend  the  worship  of  others,  partic- 
ularly at  burials,   22 

No  meeting  to  be  appointed  at  interment  of  those 
not  members,  nor  in  a  formal  manner  at  the 

burial  of  members,   22 

No  invitations  are  to  be  published  in  our  meetings 

for  those  who  are  not  members,  ....  22 

Appointments  to  the  care  of  our  burial  grounds, 

and  to  grant  orders  for  interment,      ...  23 
Non-members  not  to  be  interred  without  a  permit,  .  23 
Grounds  to  be  properly  inclosed,  and  no  monu- 
ments to  be  admitted,    ...             .       .  23 

Mourning  habits  disapproved,        ....  23 

Regular  records  of  births  and  deaths  to  be  kept 

agreeably  to  form,       ......  24 

Interments  to  be  in  the  grounds  of  Friends,    .       .  25 

Flowers  and  needless  expenses  to  be  avoided,        .  25 

BLASPHEMY  to  be  testified  against   86 


INDEX.  IQl 

PAGK 

BOOKS,   26 

Writings  on  our  religious  principles  to  be  submitted 

to  Meeting  for  Sufferings,   26 

Persons  printing  or  publishing  writings  contrary  to 
advice,  or  derogatory  to  our  faith,  or  tending  to 
disunity,  disownable,   26 

A  Monthly  Meeting  neglecting  to  administer  the 
Discipline  in  such  cases,  to  be  represented  to 
its  Quarterly  Meeting,   26 

Printing,  selling,  or  distributing  works  tending  to 

lay  waste  the  doctrines  of  Christianity,  disownable,  27 

Care-takers  of  children  to  guard  them  from  reading 
such  works,  and  plays,  romances,  novels,  and 
other  pernicious  books,  27,  28 

Booksellers  and  printers  cautioned  against  print- 
ing, selling,  or  lending. them,      ....  27 

Friends  advised  to  be  careful  in  the  choice  of  books,  28 

Reading  Holy  Scriptures  and  other  religious  works 

on  the  afternoon  of  First-day,  advised,       ,       ,  42 

Books  to  be  provided  by  Quarterly  and  Monthly 

Meetings  to  record  minutes,       ....  49 

C. 

CATTLE,  feeding  or  selling  for  the  army,  disapproved,  141 
CERTIFICATES,  ........  28 

To  be  forwarded  for  reinstai'.ed  persons,        .       .  10 
For  travelling  Friends  to  be  recorded,  and  season- 
ably returned,     ....       ...      28,  93 

Of  removal  to  be  lodged  with  the  Monthly  Meeting 
where  accepted,  and  records  kept  of  all  certifi- 
cates issued,   29 

Mode  of  signing,     .......  29 

When  certificate  is  received,  the  parties  to  be  mem- 
bers of  the  meeting  removed  to,         ...  80 
Case  of  persons  falling  into  necessitous  circum- 
stances,   30 


162 


INDEX. 


PAOS 

To  be  applied  for,  or  sent  after  persons  removing,  31,  114 
If  th(5ir  conduct  has  been  exceptionable,  to  be 

treated  with  by  Monthly  Meeting  removed  to,  .  31,  51 
To  be  applied  for  for  apprentices   and  minors 

removing,   31 

Disorderly  persons  appearing  as  Friends,  without 

certificates,  to  be  treated  with,  ....  32,  114 
Committee  to  visit  those  who  bring  certificates,  .  32 
The  property  of  the  meeting  addressed,  and  to  be 

carefully  forwarded,   32 

When  applied  for,  inquiry  to  be  made  respecting 

outward  affairs,  etc.,   82 

To  be  considered  as  accepted,  if  the  party  reside  in 

the  limits  of  the  Monthly  Meeting  when  produced,  33 
The  Monthly  Meeting  of  Friends  of  Philadelphia 

may  receive  certificates  for  -persons  residing  on 

or  near  the  Allegheny  Indian  Reservation,  .  39  o 
If  the  conduct  of  the  party  requires  them  to  be 

dealt  with,  it  is  to  be  returned,  ....  83 
Persons  about  to  marry  at  a  distance  from  home,  to 

obtain  certificates,      .       .       .       .       .       .       71,  72 

Signing  certificates  of  the  separatists  for  marriage, 

testified  against,  766 

Form  of  marriage  certificate,  ....  74 
No  minister  to  appoint  meetings,  or  travel  out  of 

the  Quarterly  Meeting,  without  certificate,  .  .  90,  91 
For  ministers  travelling  beyond  the  Yearly  Meeting,      91,  93 

Of  removal  for  females,  149 

For  religious  concerns  of  females,  ....  150 
Issued  for  services  in  war,  not  to  be  dealt  in,  .  142 
Of  ministers  attending  Yearly  Meeting,  to  be  read 

therein,  156 

CENSURE,  church,  extent  of,   vi 

CHANGE  of  residence  to  be  made  with  caution  —  fellow- 
members  to  be  consulted,   29 

CHARITY,  necessity  of,  in  building  up  one  another,  .  Tiii 
CHILDREN  not  to  read  books  subversive  of  Christian 

principles,   27 

Care  advised  in  the  choice  of  books  for  their  use,  .  27 


INDEX. 


168 


PAGB 

To  be  especially  collected  on  First-day  afternoon  for 

reading,  etc.,       .......  42 

Discouraged  from  visiting  and  rambling  about  on 
First-day,  and  mingling  with  unprofitable  com- 
pany,  43 

Rights  of,  54,  60 

Apprentices  and  servants,  to  be  brought  to  meeting 

for  worship,   81 

CHILDREN  AND  PARENTS,   105 

Obedience  to  parents  inculcated,  ....  105 
Vain   fashions,  corrupt   company,   taverns,  and 

places  of  diversion,  etc.,  to  be  avoided,      .       .      106,  107 
Simplicity  of  garb,  language,  and  manners,  en- 
forced,   106 

Disregard  of  parental  authority,  and  testimonies  of 

Friends,  to  be  testified  against,  ....      106,  107 

Parents  liable  to  disownment  for  indulging  children 

in  excesses,         .......  107 

To  be  educated  in  industry  and  placed  with  mem- 
bers,  106,  107 

Friends  in  affluence  exhorted  to  assist  in  educating 

others,   107 

Of  poor  Friends  to  claim  care  of  Monthly  Meetings,  110 
Not  to  keep  company  for  marriage  without  consent 

of  parents,  nor  with  those  not  of  our  Society,68,  69,  70,  113 
Education  of  children.    See  Schools,      .       .       .  117 
To  be  provided  with  teachers  of  our  own  persuasion,  118 
To  be  educated  in  belief  of  the  miraculous  concep- 
tion, birth,  miracles,  death,  resurrection,  ascen- 
sion, and  mediation  of  Christ,  and  the  inward 
manifestation  of  the  Holy  Spirit,        .       .       .  122 
CHURCH  —  a  preparation  of  heart  necessary  to  manage 

its  concerns,   56 

Unclean  hands  disqualify  for  ruling  in  the  church,  56 
Learning,  artificial  acquirements,  riches,  eloquence 
or  natural  wisdom,  insufficient  for  government  in 

the  church,   67 

CLEEKS  to  be  appointed  annually,    ....  55 
Representatives  of  women's  Quarterly  Meetings  to 


164 


INDEX. 


PAOB 

select  a  clerk  for  their  Yearly  Meeting,     .       .  152 
Representatives  of  the  Quarterly  Meetings  to  re- 
port clerk  to  the  Yearly  Meeting,       .       ,       .  155 
The  clerk  of  the  preceding  year  to  act  till  a  new 

appointment,      .......  155 

When  likely  to  be  prevented,  the  Meeting  for  Suf- 
ferings to  take  charge  of  the  reports,         .       ,  155 

CIVIL  GOVERNMENT,   33 

Liberty  of  conscience  the  common  right  of  all,       .  33 

No  office  to  be  accepted  which  violates  our  principles,  33 

Friends  not  to  elect  members  to  such  offices,  .       ,  34 
Called  to  advance  the  Messiah's  reign,  we  cannot 

join  in  warlike  measures,    .....  34 

Caution  against  defrauding  the  government,  .       .  135 

COLORS  AND  STUFFS,  fashionable,  advised  against,  108 
CODE  OF  DISCIPLINE,  an  infringement  of,  to  be  treated 
for  according  to  the  order  laid  down  in  the  New 

Testament,          .......  vi 

Extent  of  Society's  censure,          ....  vi 

COMMITTEE  on  Appeals,   11 

Names  to  be  read  in  presence  of  appellants,  etc.,  11 
To  hear  all  parties,  to  stop  irreverent  speeches,  and 

not  to  divulge  their  opinions  to  either,       .       .  12 
Their  report  simply  to  annul  or  confirm  decision 

below,   13 

To  confirm  where  there  was  a  violation  regularly 

treated,   13 

Of  Preparative  Meetings,  to  judge  of  references,   .  -  20 
To  be  appointed  by  Quarterly  Meetings  to  be  incor- 
porated with  incompetent  Monthly  Meetings,     .  47 
To  attend  the  opening  of  new  meetings  for  worship,  49 
COMPLAINTS  FOR  DEBT.    See  Arbitrations     .       .  17,  19 

See  Trade,  135-138 

CONCEPTION,  miraculous,   122 


CONCERNS  OF  SOCIETY,  qualifications  for  conducting, 

53-57,  114 

CONDUCT  AND  CONVERSATION,      ...  35 
Cursing,  lying,  swearing  —  unseemly,  scandalous, 


INDEX. 


165 


PAGB 

gross,  notorious,  and  indecent  practices,  testi- 
fied against,   35 

Persons  promoting  noisy  gatherings  or  tumults,  to 

be  dealt  with,   36 

Blasphemy,  denial  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  the  Holy  Spirit, 

or  Holy  Scriptures,  etc.,  to  be  testified  against,     .  36 

Injustice  and  covetousness  disapproved,  .  .  37 
Frequent  waiting  on  the  Lord,  and  abstaining  from 

unprofitable  intercourse  and  converse,  enjoined,  38 
COXNECTION  and  subordination  of  meetings,      .       .  vii,  45 
Of  meetings  not  dissolvable  but  in  the  mode  pre- 
scribed by  the  Discipline,    .....  47 
CONSCIENCE,  liberty  of,  the  right  of  all  men,     .       .  33 

CONVINCED  PERSONS   39 

Application  for  membership  to  be  made  to  over- 
seers or  elders,  and  when  prepared  to  be  laid  be- 
fore Preparative  and  Monthly  Meetings,     .       .  39 
Inquiry  respecting  life,  conversation,  principles,  etc.  39 
Living  remote  from  any  meetings  of  Friends  may 
be  admitted  to  membership,       ....  39a 

Persons  living  on  or  near  the  Allegheny  Indian 
Reservation  may  be  received  into  membership  by 

the  Monthly  Meeting  of  Friends  of  Philadelphia,  39  a 

Caution  against  haste  in  such  cases,       .       .       .  39  a 
Monthly  Meetings  exhorted  to  be  weighty,  and  vrell 
satisfied  of  the  applicant's  convincement  of  our 
principles  —  when  so,  to  receive  without  respect 

to  nation  or  color,       ......  396 

CORRESPONDENCE  between  distant  Monthly  Meetings,   9,  31,  51 
Between  women's  Monthly  Meetings,     .       .       .     51,  147 

Between  elders  of  diff"erent  meetings,     ...  94,  95 
Women's  Yearly  Meeting  to  correspond  with  those 

of  their  own  sex,         ......  152 

Irregular,  to  be  examined  by  committee  before  read,  154 

CORRESPONDENTS  to  sign  certificates  of  removal,     .  29 

To  sign  certificates  of  ministers,     ....  93 

COURTS  OF  LAW,  the  proper  demeanor  therein,      ■  .  20 

COUSINS,  first,  not  permitted  to  marry,       ...  75 
15 


166 


INDEX. 


PAOB 

The  term  applies  to  grandchildren  of  one  parent,  .  76 
CREDITORS,  cases  in  which  they  are  allowed  to  sue  at 

law,     ...    19 

To  be  consulted  in  assignments,  ....  135,  138 
To  take  no  advantage  of  the  rule  requiring  insolvent 

debtors  to  pay  whenever  they  are  able,      .       .  136 

D. 

DANCING,  members  in  the  practice  of,  liable  to  disown- 

ment,   62 

DAYS  AND  TIMES,   40 

Advice  against  the  superstitious  observance  of  days, 

and  calling  days  and  months  by  heathen  names,  40 
Reasons  for  not  observing  fasts  and  feast  days  and 

times,  etc.,  40,  41 

First-day  not  the  Sabbath  —  set  apart  by  primitive 

Christians  for  worship  and  religious  retirement,  42 
Friends  to  forbear  worldly  business,  except  works 

of  necessity  and  charity,     .....  42 
To  collect  their  children  and  families  for  religious 

reading,   42 

DEATHS  AND  BIRTHS,  regular  records  of,  to  be  kept 

by  each  Monthly  Meeting,   24 

DEATH  OF  CHRIST,  meritorious,       ....  123 
DEALINGS  among  men  to  be  just  and  free  from  all  im- 
position,   37 

DEBTORS  to  take  no  advantage  of  the  rule  to  guard 

them  from  unkind  treatment,      ....  64 
To  be  advised  to  convene  their  creditors  early,      .    133,  135 
To  refrain  from  partial  payments  —  their  subscrip- 
tions, donations,  or  bequests,  not  to  be  received 

while  insolvent,   134 

To  be  urged  to  payment,  and  if  unable,  to  assign  at 

request  of  creditors,   135 

When  again  solvent,  justice  requires  payment  of  all 

^heir  debts,        .  135,  136 


INDEX. 


167 


PAOR 

Circumstances  of  bankruptcy  to  be  ascertained,    .     134,  137 


a)ECISIONS  of  superior  meetings  to  be  submitted  to  by 

inferior,  45,  46 

DEFAMATION  AND  DETRACTION,    ....  43 

Friends  exhorted  to  shun  tale-bearing  and  detrac- 
tion,   43 

To  keep  to  the  gospel  order  in  treating  with  those 

who  err,   43 

Party  to  be  admonished,  and  unless  they  acknowl- 
edge, to  be  disowned,         .....  44 

Reporters  and  tale-bearers  to  be  dealt  with  as 

principals,  .......  44 

DENIAL  of  the  divinity,  mediation,  or  atonement  of 
Christ,  the  immediate  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
Br  inspiration  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  testified 
against,  27,  36 


DILKiENCE  in  attending  meetings,      .       .       .    vii,  45,  80,  81 


See  Queries,  112,  116 

DISCIPLINE,  AND  MEETINGS  FOR  DISCIPLINE,    .  45 

To  le  maintained  in  their  original  authority,        .  45 

Negligence  in,  produces  spiritual  death,        .       ,  45 

Conneotion  and  subordination,       ....  45 

Inferiov  meetings  to  render  account  and  submit  to 

superirfr,     ........  45 

No  meeting  to  be  instituted  but  with  consent  of 

superior,   45 

Dissolution  of  Quarterly,  Monthly,  and  Preparative 

Meetings,  and  meetings  for  worship,  .       .  46 

Quarterly  Meetings  to  appoint  committees  to  aid 

incompetent  Monthly  Meetings,  ...  47 

Meetings  possess  no  right  to  dissolve  their  connec- 
tion with  superiors,     ......  47 

Junction  of  a  Preparative  with  another  Monthly 
Meeting,  or  a  Monthly  Meeting  with  another 
Quarterly,   48 

Meetings  for  worship  composed  of  parts  of  two 

Monthly  Meetings,  ,  48 


168 


INDEX. 


PAGB 

Books  for  record  of  proceedings  of  Quarterly  and 

Monthly  Meetings,   49 

Business  to  be  finished  with  dispatch,  and  when  too 

weighty,  to  be  brought  before  the  Quarter  for  aid,  49 
Minutes  may  be  granted  to  Quarterly  and  Monthly 

Meetings,  or  individuals,  when  requested,         .        49,  50 
Representatives  of  Monthly  and  Quarterly  Meetings 
to  be  punctual  to  appointment,  or  furnish  reasons 

for  absence,   50 

Meetings  not  to  proceed  to  business  while  those  not 

members  are  present,         .....  51 

Mode  of  treating  with  offenders  at  a  remote  distance,  51 
Women's  Monthly  Meetings  to  correspond  on  such 

occasions,    ........  51 

Offenders  not  to  sit  in  Meetings  for  Discipline,       .  52 
Mode  of  treating  offenders,    .....  52 

Qualifications  requisite  for  all  performances  in  Dis- 
cipline as  well  as  worship,         .       .       .         53-58,  114 
Testimonies  of  disunion  to  be  furnished  with  infor- 
mation of  appeal,        ......  53 

Rights  of  Children,  54,  60 

Application  to  jugglers  or  fortune-tellers,  so  called, 

or  a  pretence  to  such  art,  disownable,  .  .  54 
Accounts  of  Sufferings  to  be  regularly  forwarded,  55 
Committees   annually  appointed  for  nominating 

clerks,   55 

Care  to  be  taken  to  judge  of  the  qualifications  of 

members  for  service,  .....  55 

The  virtue  and  power  of  the  Holy  Head  demonstrate 
that  neither  tradition  nor  education  prepares  for 
succession  in  the  church,    .....  56 
Caution  against  bringing  into  service  prematurely,  56 
Unclean  hands,  and  connivance  at  undue  liberties, 

disqualify  for  church  government,      ...  56 
Pertinent  counsel,  how  to  conduct  in  the  church,  .  57 
Design  of  Preparative  Meetings  —  cases  to  be  for- 
warded in  writing  —  not  to  take  cognizance  of 
marriage,     ........  58 


INDEX. 


Monthly  Meetings  to  seek  the  wanderers,       .       .  68 
Descendants  of  Separatists  —  how  treated,     .       .  69 
DISCORD  and  Disunity,  persons  publishing  works  tend- 
ing to  excite  it,    .......  26 

Attempts  at  fomenting  division,  disownable,          .  65 

^      Implacable  enmity  testified  against,       ...  66 

DISORDERLY  PERSONS  appearing  as  Friends,         .  32 

DISOWNED  PERSONS  applying  for  reinstatement,     .  9,  147 

DISPUTES.    See  Arbitration,   17-20 

DIVINITY  of  Jesus  Christ,   27,  36 

DIVISION  and  Dissension,  parties  to  be  labored  with 

and  apprised  of  their  danger,     ....  66 
DISUNITY,  manifested  by  neglect  of  Divine  worship, 

disownable,   81 

Such  to  make  acknowledgment  before  considered 

in  unity,      ........  82 

DOCTRINES  and  Principles  to  be  adorned  by  consistent 

example,     ........  81 

Unsound,  cause  of  admonition  and  care,        .       .  87,  94,  95 
DONATIONS,  Bequests,  etc.,  to  be  strictly  applied  to 

the  purposes  intended,        .....  61 

Not  to  be  received  from  insolvent  members,  .       .  134 
DRESS  and  Address,  simplicity  of  garb,  language,  and 

manners,  enforced,     .       .       .       .       .       .    106,  108 

Copying  after  the  vain  and  extravagant  fashions, 

testified  against,          ......  106 

Parents  indulging  their  children  in  excesses  in  these 

respects,  disownable,   107 

DROWSINESS  in  meetings  —  those  who  give  way  to  it 

to  be  labored  with,  and  not  employed  in  Society,  82 

DUTIES  —  not  to  be  withheld  from  government.         .  135 

EDUCATION  insufficient  to  make  successors  in  the 

church,  56,  57 

Friends  advised  to  bring  up  children  in  habits  of 
15* 


170 


INDEX. 


industry,  and  place  them  to  occupations  consist- 
ent with  our  testimonies,   107 

In  piety  and  virtue,  and  in  proper  share  of  useful 
learning,  under  religious,  prudent  persons,  rec- 
ommended to  subordinate  meetings,    .       .       .    118,  119 

Children  instructed  in  the  Christian  religion,  and 
reading  the  Holy  Scriptures  in  schools  —  guarded 
education  not  a  temporal  convenience  merely,  but 
a  religious  duty,   120 

Liberality  in  aiding  others,    .....  121 

Right  education  begun  and  conducted  at  home,  .  107,  122 
ELDERS  to  be  consulted  respecting  meetings  at  burials,  22 

Decease  of,  to  be  forwarded  to  Yearly  Meeting,     ,  83 

And  ministers  to  be  as  nursing  fathers,         .       .  86 

Their  duty  to  admonish  ministers,  if  unsound  in 

doctrine,      ........  87 

To  state  cases  of  refractory  ministers  to  Prepara- 
tive or  Quarterly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders,  87 

To  be  treated  as  other  members  for  violation  of 
Discipline,  and  not  to  attend  Select  Meetings  till 
again  recommended,   87 

Two  or  more  of  each  sex  to  be  appointed  by  Monthly 

Meeting,   88 

Mode  of  appointing,       ......  89 

To  introduce  to  Monthly  Meeting  the  cases  of  per- 
sons appearing  in  the  ministry,  where  there  is  no 
Preparative  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders,     .  90 

Believing  themselves  called  to  the  ministry,  to  with.- 

draw  from  Select  Meeting,  .....  91 

To  take  steps  to  bring  before  Monthly  Meetings 

cases  of  those  who  disturb  by  preaching,    .       ,  91 

To  treat  with  ministers  coming  among  us  who  are 
unsound,  and  to  forward  their  cases  to  the  elders 
where  they  belong,   94 

To  extend  care  to  ministers  supposed  to  have  lost 
their  gifts  —  also,  subject  to  the  same  treatment 
themselves,  in  similar  circumstances,        .       •  97 


INDEX.  171 

PAGK 

Duties  of — case  of  a  Preparatory  Meeting  of  Elders 

without  any  minister  —  how  suspended,      .       .  99 

To  retain  the  oflBce  subject  to  the  rules,         .       .  100 
ELECTING  Friends  to  offices  in  government  whose  du- 
ties oppose  our  principles,  disapproved,      .       .     34,  102 

ENDORSING  accommodation  notes,  disapproved,        .  136 

ENMITY,  implacable,  testified  against,         ...  66 

EXECUTORS  and  Trustees  permitted  to  proceed  at  law,  19,  20 

To  be  faithful  and  punctual  to  trusts,     ...  61 
And  administrators  to  estates  not  to  act  where 

there  are  slaves,  .......  125 

To  make  complete  inventory  early  after  interment,  144 

EXPENSES  of  ministers  to  be  provided  for  when  needful,  95 
EXTRACTS  from  the  minutes  of  the  Yearly  Meeting  to 

be  sent  to  all  Meetings  for  Discipline,        •       .  155 

F. 

FAILURE  in  Business,  to  be  treated  for,      .       .       .  133 
Inquiry  into  circumstances,    .....    134,  137 

Subscriptions,  etc.,  not  to  be  received  from  such,  .  134 

Advised  to  convene  creditors,  and  assign,      .       .  135 

To  discharge  debts  when  they  become  able,  .  .  135 
Creditors  to  be  consulted  —  to  appoint  assignees  — 

assignments  to  be  unreserved,  ....  138 
FAITH —  a  tender  care  to  be  exercised  that  all  may  be 

preserved  in  the  unity  of,   T 

FAMILY  Visits  encouraged  and  recommended  to  the  solid 

attention  of  Quarterly  and  Monthly  Meetings,    .  61 
Concern  to  be  approved  where  the  Friend  belongs 

and  where  the  visit  is  to  be  made,      ...  62 
This  regulation  applies  to  those  coming  from  other 

Yearly  Meetings,        ......  62 

FASHIONS,  in  apparel,  buildings,  furniture,  stuflfs, 

colors,  etc.,  to  be  kept  out  of,     .       .       .       ,  108 
The  Spirit  of  Truth,  which  led  Friends  originally  to 

lay  aside  these  things,  still  leads  in  the  same  path,  109 


172 


INDEX. 


PAGB 

FASTS  and  feast  days  and  times,  not  to  be  observed,    .  40 

The  fast  we  are  called  to  is  a  continual  abstinence 

from  all  evil,       .....  .  40 

FIGHTINGS  and  Wars,  Friends  to  maintain  our  testi- 
mony against,  ,       .  139 

Not  to  show  the  least  connivance  at  war,  by  viewing 
military  operations,  encouraging  party  spirit,  or 
joining  political  associations,      ....  X40 

To  avoid  any  trade  promotive  of  it,  partaking  of 
the  spoils,  shipping  in  armed  vessels,  paying  taxes, 
selling  property  for  the  use  of  the  army,  etc.,    .  141 

The  subject  to  claim  care  of  Quarterly,  Monthly, 

and  Preparative  Meetings,   141 

FINES,  or  taxes  for  military  demands,  not  to  be  paid, 

though  applied  to  civil  government,    ,       .     140,  141,  142 
FIRST-DAY  of  the  week  not  the  Sabbath,    ...  41 

Set  apart  by  Christians  for  religious  retirement  and 
public  worship,  after  the  example  of  the  primitive 
Christians,         .......  42 

Friends  to  abstain  from  labor,  except  works  of  ne- 
cessity, charity,  or  benevolence,         ...  42 

Religious  retirement,  and  reading  the  Scriptures 
and  other  religious  books — refraining  from  visit- 
ing about,  recommended,    .....  42 

Marriages  not  to  be  accomplished  on  First-day,  .  71 
FORMAL  WORSHIP  testified  against,  ....  40 
FORTUNE-TELLERS,  or  Jugglers,  so  called,       .       .  64 

Any  member  applying  to  such  persons,  or  pretend- 
ing to  their  arts,  to  be  dealt  with  and  disowned, 
if  not  convinced,         ......  65 

FRIENDS,  a  people  whom  the  Lord  in  these  latter  days 
hath  gathered  by  his  spirit  and  power  to  worship 
him  in  spirit  and  in  truth,   ▼ 

To  exercise  care  over  each  other,  that  all  may  be 
preserved  in  faith  and  practice,         ...  T 

To  be  diligent  at  meetings,  and  to  seek  for  alility 


INDEX. 


PAGK 

to  build  one  another  in  that  faith  which  works 
by  love  and  purifies  the  heart,     .       .       ,       .     ^  vii 
FUNERALS.    See  Births  and  Burials,  ....  21 

G. 

GAMING  and  diversions  testified  against,     ...  62 
Stage-plays,  horse-races,  music,  dancing,  or  any 
other  vain  sports,  lotteries,  wagering,  or  other 
species  of  gaming,  disownable,    ....  63 
Music  and  musical  instruments  forbidden,.    .       .  64 
GIFTS  —  Caution  against  introducing  persons  prema- 
turely into  service,  that  by  right  discernment 
every  gift  may  be  properly  exercised,         .       .  56 
Patience  in  the  use  of  gifts,  reverence  in  speaking 
in  the  church,  having  our  own  spirits  in  subjec- 
tion, inculcated,   57 

Of  Gospel  Ministry,   90 

Gifts  and  legacies  to  be  strictly  applied,  .  .  61,  114 
Application  to  be  made  to  Meeting  for  Sufferings 

in  case  of  difficulty,  79,  114 

GOSPEL  MINISTRY  supplied  by  the  immediate  teach- 
ings of  the  Holy  Spirit,   84 

Prayers  which  are  accepted  produced  by  the  influ- 
ence of  the  Holy  Spirit,   40 

GOVERNMENT,  Civil,   33 

No  office  to  be  accepted  which  requires  the  viola- 
tion of  our  principles,   33 

Friends  not  to  elect  one  another  to  offices  whose 

duties  lay  waste  our  testimonies,        ...  34 
Friends  cannot  join  in  hostile  measures  against  the 

government,  or  any  person,        ....  34 
Not  to  be  defrauded  of  its  duties,   .       .       .  135 

GRAVITY  at  burials,   21 

GRAVE-STONES  not  allowable  in  our  burial-grounds,  23 
GRINDING  GRAIN,  or  selling  it  for  the  army,  disap- 
proved, 141 


174  INDEX. 


H. 

PAGE 

HAT,  keeping  on,  in  time  of  prayer,  disorderly,   .       .  gg 
HEDGE — The  Discipline  an  exterior  hedge  of  preser- 
vation,   Y 

HIRELING  MINISTRY,  incompatible  with  the  free 

gospel  of  Christ,   34 

Contributing  to  support  or  encouraging  it,  opposed 

to  our  testimony,  and  disownable,       ...  84 
HOLY  SPIRIT,  a  denial  of  its  immediate  influence  dis- 
ownable,   27  36 

All  true  worship  performed  under  it,     ...  40 
The  soul  of  man  the  temple  of  the  Holy  Spirit,       ,  41 
The  true  authority  of  all  our  meetings,  ...  55 
By  its  immediate  teaching,  acceptable  worship  is  per- 
formed, and  all  true  gospel  ministry  supplied,    .       84^  80 
Ministers  to  seek  the  mind  of  the  Spirit,  to  open 

mysteries,    ........  86 

Our  forefathers  led  by  the  Spirit  into  the  plainness 

and  simplicity  which  the  gospel  enjoins,     .       .  109 

Still  leads  in  the  same  path,   109 

Qualifies  to  conduct  the  affairs  of  the  Church,  .  65,  114 
Children  to  be  educated  in  the  belief  of  its  inward 

manifestation  in  the  heart,  122,  123 

Holy  Scriptures  written  by  its  inspiration,    .       .  123 
Gives  a  right  understanding  of  the  Divine  will  and 

the  meaning  of  Holy  Scriptures,         .       .       .  123 
Leads  out  of  bondage  to  the  Spirit  of  the  world,     .  131 
HOLY  SCRIPTURES— denial  of  authenticity,  disownable,      27,  36 
Children  to  be  restrained  from  reading  works  cre- 
ating doubt  in  them,    ......  27 

Reading  of,  on  First-day  afternoon  especially  re- 
commended,       .......  42 

Ministers  advised  to  be  frequent  in  reading  them,  87 
Drawing  unsound  inferences  or  misapplying  them, 

calls  for  notice,  87,  94 


INDEX.  ffg 

PA6B 

Daily  reaiing  in  schools  enjoined,         .       .       .  120 

Parents  and  heads  of  families  exhorted  to  instruct 
their  children  in  the  doctrines  of  the  Christian 
religion  as  contained  in  them,     ....  122 

Friends  have  always  believed  they  were  written  by 

divine  inspiration,       ......  123 

Their  authority  depends  not  upon  churches  —  we 
submit  all  doctrines  to  their  standard — and  reckon 
anything  contrary  to  them  a  delusion,        ,       ,  123 
HOLY-DAYS,  so  called,  not  to  be  observed,  ...  40 
HOKSE-RACING  testified  against  and  disownable,       .  62 

1. 

INSPIRATION  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,        ...       27,  86 

INTERCESSION  of  Christ,   35 

INTERMENT  of  the  Dead.    See  Burials,     ...  21 
Committee  to  grant  orders,     .....  23 

A  solemn  pause  before  and  after,  to  be  observed,   .  23 
Extravagant  expenses  and  mourning  habits  disap- 
proved,       ........  23 

INSTITUTION  of  Quarterly,  Monthly,  and  Preparative 

Meetings,  and  Meetings  for  Worship,         .       .  45^  46,  48 
INVENTORY  of  Estates  to  be  full  and  clear,  and  made 

out  eax'ly  after  interment,    .....  144 

JUDGMENT  to  be  placed  on  oflFenders  in  the  authority 

of  Truth,   47,  113 

JUSTIFICATION  from  the  imputation  of  sins  past  by 

propitiatory  sacrifice,   87 

JUSTICE,  strict,  to  be  adhered  to  in  all  our  dealings,  .  87 

L. 

LANGUAGE  —  the  world's  corrupt  language,  manners, 

etc.,  to  be  kept  from,   109 

Plainness  of  speech,  without  respect  of  persons,  to 

be  used  in  all  our  converse,        ....  109 


176 


INDEX. 


PAGB 

LAW  —  Counsel  learned  in,  to  be  consulted  by  arbi- 
trators,   18 

Administrators,  Executors,  and  Trustees,  to  proceed 

at  law,  if  necessary,    ......  19 

Parties  going  to  law  to  conduct  circumspectly  at 

courts,   20 

Suing  a  member,  in  violation  of  Discipline,  dis- 

ownable,      .   64 

Persons  skilled  in,  to  be  employed  to  write  wills,  ,  144 
LEARNING  insufl&cient  to  qualify  for  government  in 

the  church,   67 

Teachers  of  our  own  persuasion  to  be  employed  to 
instruct  the  youth  in  useful  learning  to  fit  them 
for  the  business  of  life,  and  to  train  them  in  the 
knowledge  of  their  duty  to  their  Creator,    .       .  118 
LEGACIES,  gifts,  bequests,  etc.,  not  to  be  perverted  or 
appropriated  to  any  other  uses  than  designed  by 
donors,        ........  61 

Application  to  the  Meeting  for  Sufferings  to  be 

made  in  difl&cult  cases,        .....     79,  114 

LIBERTY  of  conscience  the  common  right  of  all,  .       .  33 
LOTTERIES,  being  concerned  in,  disownable,       .       .  62 
LOVE  AND  UNITY,  the  bond  of  Christian  brotherhood,  65 
All  attempts  to  promote  separation  testified  against,  65 
Persons  infected  with  dissension  to  be  timely  warned,  66 
Implacable  enmity  —  persons  indulging  it  to  be 

labored  with,  and  if  inflexible,  to  be  disowned,  .  66 
True  and  superficial  unity  distinguished,       .       .  66 
LYING,  swearing,  cursing,  and  other  wicked  conduct, 

testified  against,  .......  85 

M. 

MARRIAGE  a  Divine  ordinance,  .       .       .       .       .  "0 

Relations  (not  members)  to  withdraw  before  meet- 
ings proceed  to  further  business,        ...  51 
No  Preparative  Meeting  to  take  cognizance  of  pro- 
posals of  marriage,      ......  58 

Value  of  religious  unity  in  married  life,       .      .  67 


INDEX.  177 

PAGE 

Persons  proposing  marriage  to  wait  for  Divine 

counsel,  and  consent  of  parents,  etc.,         .       .  68 

None  to  proceed  till  certificates  and  consent  of 
parents  or  guardians  are  produced,  when  neces- 
sary and  practicable,   71 

Not  allowed  earlier  than  one  year  after  the  death 

of  husband  or  wife,   76 

Marrying  a  person  not  a  member,  or  without  con- 
sent of  the  Monthly  Meeting,  disownable,   .       .  76 

No  misdemeanor  to  be  published  to  prevent  mar- 
riages,       ........  69 

Parties  intending  marriage  not  to  reside  in  the 

same  house,        .......  71 

Not  accomplished  in  Meetings  for  Discipline  or  on 

First-day,   71 


Expensive  entertainments  and  large  companies  ad- 
vised against,      .......  71 

Keeping  company  for  this  purpose  with  those  not 
of  us,  with  servants  or  apprentices  without  leave 
of  masters,  etc.  —  being  present  or  consenting  to 
their  children  being  present  at  marriages  per- 
formed by  aid  of  a  priest  —  or  attending  mar- 
riage of  a  member  accomplished  in  a  way  out  of 
our  order,  testified  against,        ....     70,  114 

Attending  the  meetings  of  Separatists  —  their  mar- 
riages—  signing  their  certificates,  repugnant  to 
order,  etc.,         .......  765 

Parents  or  guardians  approving  addresses,  not  to 

retract  without  sufficient  reason,        .       .       .69,  70 

Mode  of  accomplishing,  prescribed,       .       .       .  71-75 

The  rights  of  a  widow's  children  to  be  secured  be- 
fore marriage,     .......  72 

To  be  accomplished  gravely  and  without  immoder- 
ate feasting ;  the  contrary  requiring  care  of  the 
Friends  charged  with  oversight,         ...  73 

Form  of  marriage  certificate,         ....  74 
16 


178 


INDEX. 


PAGE 

Marriage  of  first  cousins  not  permitted,         .       .  75 

Reinstatement  of  such  requires  consent  of  Quar- 
terly Meeting,   75 

Term  first  cousins  includes  the  descendants  of  one 

parent,   76 

Counsel  to  guard  the  youth  from  improper  connec- 
tions—  violations  of  the  Discipline  often  arising 
from  want  of  this  care,       .....  68 

Caution  respecting  the  too  ready  acceptance  of  ac- 
knowledgments,  .......  76 

Testimonies  to  be  issued  against  those  who  consent 
to  or  connive  at  marriage  of  children  under  their 
care  (members)  contrary  to  Discipline,        .       .    76a,  114 

Acknowledgments  for  breach  of  Discipline,    .       .  76a 

Exposure  to  improper  connections  cautioned  against,  106 

Women's  Monthly  Meetings  to  take  cognizance  of 

proposals  for  marriage,  .....  146 
MEDIATION  of  Jesus  Christ,  .  .  .  .27,  36,  37,  123 
MEETINGS  —  order  and  subordination,       .       .       .        vii,  45 

For  worship,  not  appointed  at  interment  of  those 
not  members,  and  not  in  a  formal  manner  at 
others,   22 

All  our  meetings  to  be  held  in  their  original  author- 
ity, the  love,  power,  and  peaceable  spirit  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,      ......  45,  55,  57 

For  worship,  set  up  or  discontinued  by  Monthly 

Meetings,  with  consent  of  the  Quarter,       .       .  46 

Composed  of  parts  of  two  or  more  Monthly  Meet- 
ings,   48 

To  be  held  in  the  authority  of  Truth  and  unitj  of 
the  Spirit,   80 

Coming  late,  falling  asleep,  restlessness,  going  out, 

etc.,   80 

Christian  zeal  and  diligent  waiting  for  power  to 

qualify  for  worship,    ......  80 

Children  and  apprentices  to  be  promoted  to  attend,  81 

A  wilful  neglect  of  this  duty  an  evidence  of  ingrat- 
itude and  disunity,   81 


INDEX.  179 

PAGE 

Such  to  acknowledge  before  restoration,  .  .  82 
Dependence  on  the  Lord,  .....  82 
Should  not  be  disturbed  by  opposition  to  ministers, 

unless,  etc.,        .   88 

PREPARATIVE, 

To  judge  of  references,  ......  20 

Subordination  to  Monthly  Meetings  —  mode  of  in- 
stituting, dissolving,  etc.,   .....  45-49 

Duties — not  to  decide  matters  cognizable  by  Monthly 

Meetings.,     ........  58 

To  be  early  informed  of  oflFanders  removed  to  remote 

places,   .  103 

MONTHLY, 

To  appoint  respondents  in  case  of  appeals,     .       .  11 
May  appeal  from  decision  of  Quarterly  Meeting,    .  15 
Refusing  to  attend  to  complaint  of  Meeting  for  Suf- 
ferings—  course  pursued,   26 

To  keep  records  of  certificates,      ....  29 

To  furnish  pecuniary  relief  —  to  be  refunded,       .  30 
To  write  to  distant  Monthly  Meetings  respecting 
offenders  appearing  without  certificates  —  also, 
those  removed,    .       .       .       .       .       .       .       32,  51 

To  appoint  committees  to  visit  those  who  bring  cer- 
tificates, and  to  forward  certificates  by  proper 

conveyances,       .   32 

To  be  weighty  in  deliberating  on  applications  for 

membership,        .......  396 

Accountability  to  Quarterly  Meetings — institution 

and  suspension  of,       .....       .      45,  46 

To  accept  and  recognize  members  of  dissolved  meet- 
ings,   46 

To  state  its  sense  to  Quarterly  Meeting  of  dissolving 

inferior  meeting,         ......  46 

incompetent,  assisted  by  committee  of  Quarterly 

Meeting,      ........  47 

Cannot  dissolve  connection  with  Quarterly  Meeting,  47 
Mode  of  transfer  to  another  Quarterly  Meeting,  .  48 
To  keep  fair  records,  and  dispatch  business  without 

improper  delay   49 


180 


XNDBX. 


PAOB 

To  apply  to  Quarterly  Meeting  for  aid  in  difl5cult 
cases  —  to  furnish  minutes  to  meetings — to  indi- 


viduals discretionally,  49,  50 

To  appoint  representatives  to  Quarterly  Meeting,  ,  50 
Not  to  permit  oflenders  to  sit  in  Meetings  for  Dis- 
cipline,   52 

Mode  of  treating  and  disowning  members,     .       ,  52 
To  forward  annually  accounts  of  Sufferings,  .       ,  55 
To  appoint  committee  annually  to  nominate  clerks,  55 
Not  to  employ  drowsy  members,     ....  82 
To  select  Elders,  and  forward  their  names,  and 
those  of  Friends  appearing  as  Ministers,  to  Quar- 
terly Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders,       .       .  89 
To  aid  Ministers  in  the  prosecution  of  their  con- 
cerns,   95 

Course  to  be  pursued  on  refusing  to  take  up  cases 
introduced  by  Quarterly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and 

Elders,   98 

To  appoint  Treasurer  —  committee  to  have  care  of 

the  poor,   110 

To  appoint  Committee  on  Education,  .  ,  ,  120 
Women's  Monthly  Meetings — duties,  etc.  .  .  145-150 
Testimonies  of  disunion  for  females,  .  .  .  146 
Communications,  not  regular,  to  be  examined  by 

committee,   154 

To  furnish  Preparative  Meetings  with  extracts  from 

Yearly  Meeting,  .......  155 

QUARTERLY, 

To  hear  appeals,  and  to  appoint  respondents  to 

Yearly  Meeting,  10-13 

To  carry  up  appeals  of  Monthly  Meetings,  .  .  13 
When  composed  of  two  Monthly  Meetings,  to  refer 

appeals  to  Yearly  Meeting,   16 

Subordination  and  accountability  to  Yearly  Meeting,  45 
To  institute  or  dissolve  inferior  meetings,  .  .  45,  46 
To  appoint  committee  to  aid  Monthly  Meetings,  .  47 
To  forward  accounts  of  Sufferings  annually,   .       ♦  55 


INDEX.  161 

PAGH 

To  appoint  Committee  on  Education,      .       .       .  120 
Women's  Quarterly  Meetings  —  duties,  .       .       .  151 
Irregular  communications  to  be  examined,     .       .  154 
YEARLY, 

Its  decisions  binding  on  all,    ....        Tii,  45,  46 

Committee  to  provide  for  visits  beyond  sea,    .       .  95 

History  of  origin  — committee  to  prepare  epistles,     153,  154 

Letters  and  papers,  not  from  regular  correspond- 
ents, to  be  examined,         .....  154 

Representatives  to  propose  clerks — extracts  to  be 

sent  to  all  Meetings  for  Discipline,  .  .  .  155 
FOR  SUFFERINGS, 

Appointed  by  Yearly  and  Quarterly  Meetings  —  its 

constitution,       .......  77 

To  take  charge  of  all  writings  relating  to  our  prin- 
ciples,  26,  78 

To  inform  the  Quarterly  Meeting  of  a  Monthly  Meet- 
ing refusing  to  treat  for  an  offence  against  the 
Discipline  on  books,    ......  26 

To  inspect  memorials  preparatory  to  Y'early  Meet- 
ing,  79,  83 

To  represent  the  Yearly  Meeting  on  all  emergent 

occasions,    ........       77,  78 

To  explain  titles  to  property  —  to  record  accounts 

of  Sufferings  —  to  apply  to  government,  etc.,     .       79,  80 

To  correspond  with  other  Meetings  for  Sufferings, 

None  members,  but  those  regularly  appointed  — 
Ministers  and  members  of  other  Meetings  for 
Sufferings  may  attend,        .....  79 

To  advance  the  testimony  against  slavery,     .       .  126 

To  take  charge  of  papers  of  the  Yearly  Meeting 

when  the  clerk  is  likely  to  be  absent,  .  .  155 
OF  MINISTERS  AND  ELDERS, 

Preparative,  composed  of  Ministers  and  Elders  of  a 

Monthly  Meeting,   88 

To  bring  before  Monthly  Meetings  the  cases  of  those 

who  appear  as  ministers,   90 

16* 


182 


INDEX. 


PAOB 

To  meet  every  three  months  to  answer  queries,  etc.,  96 

Quarterly  —  to  aid  Preparative  Select  Meeting  in 
dealing  with  unsound  Ministers,  or  those  who 
may  have  otherwise  lost  their  gifts,    .       .       •    87  97  98 

To  decide  on  Ministers  and  Elders  recommended,  .  gg 

To  read  queries  and  answers  brought  from  Prepara- 
tive Meetings,  and  annually  forward  comprised 
report  to  Yearly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders,  96 

To  represent  to  Quarterly  Meeting  for  Discipline 
refusal  of  Monthly  Meetings  to  take  up  cases  of 
ministers,    ........  98 

To  extend  care  over  Preparative  Meetings  of  Elders, 
and  propose  their  suspension,  when  proper,  to 
Monthly  Meetings,   99 

Yearly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders  to  read 
queries  and  answers  from  the  Quarters,  and  to 
communicate  advice  and  aid  to  subordinate  meet- 
ings,  96,  97 

Not  to  interfere  with  the  sittings  of  Yearly  Meeting 

for  Discipline,     .......  97 

Meetings  of  Ministers  and  Elders  not  to  interfere 
with  the  business,  but  may  communicate  with 
their  respective  Meetings  for  Discipline,    .        .  97 
MEETING-HOUSES, 

Titles  to  be  frequently  inspected,  and  trusts  re- 
newed when  necessary,   766 

Records  of  trusts  and  conveyances  to  be  kept,  and 
with  whom  the  papers,  minutes,  etc.,  are  de- 
posited,   76c 

MEMORIALS,   83 

Prepared  by  Monthly  Meetings  to  be  forwarded  to 

Quarterly  Meeting  and  Meeting  for  Suflferings,  .  83 
MEMBERSHIP  in  the  Society,  how  obtained,  .  9,  38,  54,  147 
MESSIAH'S  peaceful  reign  begun,  .  .  .  34,139,141 
MILITARY  FINES  — no  part  of,  to  be  accepted  unless 

returned  in  same  species,    .....  140 

Tax  for  purchasing  drums,  colors,  and  other  war- 
like purposes   140 


INDEX. 


183 


PAGB 

Paying  fine,  penalty,  or  tax  for  carrying  on  war,  .  141 
Tax  levied  for  militia  not  to  be  paid,  though  ap- 
plied to  civil  purposes,       .       .       .       .       .  142 

MINISTERS  AND  ELDERS,      -   86 

Ministers  not  employed  as  arbitrators,  ...  21 
Accounts  of  decease  of,  forwarded  to  Yearly  Meeting,  83 
To  be  nursing  fathers  —  to  read  the  Holy  Scriptures 
frequently  —  seeking  the  mind  of  the  Spirit  to 
enable  them  to  open  the  mysteries  thereof — and 
not  to  extend  declarations  without  life,       .       .      86,  87 
Unsound  doctrines  and  conclusions  require  admo- 
nition,   87 

Course  of  proceeding  in  case  of  refusal  to  acknowl- 
edge faults,   87 

Not  to  sit  in  Select  Meetings,  after  case  is  in 

Monthly  Meeting,  till  recommended  again,         .  87 
To  be  treated  as  other  members  for  violation  of 

Discipline,  87,  88 

Public  opposition  to,  keeping  on  the  hat  in  prayer, 

disallowed,  ........  88 

Mode  of  recommending  and  appointing,         .       .      §9,  90 
"Without  being  approved  by  Quarterly  Meeting  of 
Ministers  and  Elders,  none  are  to  be  received  as 
ministers,  sit  in  Select  Meetings,  or  travel  as 
ministers,    ........  90 

No  minister  to  appoint  meetings,  or  travel  out  of 

the  Quarterly  Meeting,  without  certificate,        .  90 
Elders  appearing  as  ministers,       ....  91 

Concerns  of  ministers  claiming  care  of  superior 
meetings  to  be  considered  before  reading  cer- 
tificate of  Monthly  Meeting,       ....  92 

Meetings  to  be  informed  when  visits  are  completed,  92 
Attending  a  Yearly  Meeting  and  a  few  in  its  vicinity, 
or  to  visit  the  meetings  of  one  or  two  Quarterly 
Meetings,  requires  a  minute  of  the  Monthly 

Meeting,   .  92 

Visits  beyond  these  limits,  a  certificate  endorsed  by 

Quarterly  Meeting,   93 

4 


184 


INDEX. 


PAOB 

Visit  to  Ohio,  Indiana,  and  Carolina,  or  any  two  oi 
them,  or  beyond  sea,  to  be  laid  before  Yearly 
Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders,  93,  94 

Counsel  to  keep  under  religious  weight  and  use  dil- 
igence,       ........  94 

At  home,  or  from  abroad,  giTing  uneasiness  in  doc- 
trine—  how  treated,    ......  94 

Services  of,  not  to  be  impeded  for  want  of  means,  .  95 
To  watch  over  the  flock  in  their  respective  places,  97 
Those  who  may  be  thought  to  have  lost  their  gifts, 

how  treated,  97,  98 

To  avoid  improper  tones  and  gestures  —  to  watch 

over  each  other  for  good,    .....  117 

MINUTES  for  travelling  Friends,  to  be  recorded  and 

promptly  returned,      ......  28 

Copies  may  be  granted  by  Quarterly  and  Monthly 

Meetings,     ........  49 

Discretional  power  to  furnish  individuals,      .       .  60 
Of  meetings  to  be  placed  under  care  of  suitable 

Friends,      ........  76c 

MINISTRY,  hireling,  supporting  or  encouraging,  dis- 

ownable,   84 

Qualification  for,      .   84 

Fresh  anointing  needful,   85 

MODERATION  and  Temperance, 

At  burials,  and  all  other  occasions,  advised,  .       .      21  100 

At  marriages,  advised,  73,  100 

MOURNING  HABITS,  wearing  or  giving,  advised  against,  23 
MUSIC,  the  practice  of,  subjects  to  disownment,  .       .        63,  64 

N. 

NEGROES.  See  Slave  Trade  and  Slavery,  ...  124 
Disunity  with  enslaving  mankind,  ....  124 
To  be  taught  principles  of  Christian  religion  and 

school  learning,   125 

Friends  not  to  act  as  executors  where  slaves  are 

bequeathed,        .......  125 

Traffic  in,  or  ioldii^  them  in  bondage,  disownable,  125 


INDEX. 


185 


FAOB 

Hiring  slaves,  when  the  compensation  goes  to  ILe 

master,   126 

NOISY  gatherings  or  tumults,  promoting,  disownable,  .  36 
NOTES,  accommodation,  with   endorsements,  disap- 
proved,   136 

NOVELS,  plays,  romances,  etc.,  to  be  discountenanced,  27 

0. 

OATHS  —  Christian  testimony  against,  to  be  main- 
tained,   101 

Members  in  oflBce  administering,  or  conniving  at 

their  clerks  administering  oaths  —  disownable,  .  102 
Friends  not  to  elect  one  another  to  oflBces  which 

violate  this  testimony,         .       ,       ,       .       ,  102 
To  choose  witnesses  to  writings  who  do  not  swear,  102 
OBSERVANCE  of  days  and  times,  testified  against,     .  40,  41 
OFFENDERS,  removing  into  the  limits  of  distant  meet- 
ings,   31,  51 

Guilty  of  reproachful  conduct  and  removing  to  re- 
mote places,   36 

Not  to  sit  in  Meetings  for  Discipline,     ...  62 

Mode  of  treating,  including  oflFences  not  on  minute,  52 
To  be  admonished,  and  sought  in  the  spirit  of  love 

before  church  censure  takes  place,      ...  53 
Leaving  their  places  of  abode  and  removing  to  re- 
mote parts,  to  be  early  informed  of,    .       .       .  103^  104 
OFFICES  in  government  not  to  be  accepted  whose  du- 
ties violate  our  testimonies,        ....  34,  102 

ORDER  of  the  gospel  in  treating  with  offenders,  .       .  vii,  43 

OVERSEERS,  to  judge  of  the  propriety  of  reference,    .  20 

To  be  consulted  on  meetings  at  burials,  .       .       .  22,23 
To  ascertain  whether  disorderly  persons,  appearing 

as  Friends,  are  so,      .....       .  32 

Every  Monthly  Meeting  to  appoint  faithful  and  ju-  '' . 

diciDUS  men  and  women  for,       ....  103 

To  ex<  rcise  a  vigilant  and  tender  care  over  the  flock, 

and  to  whom  complaints  are  first  to  be  made,    .  103 


186  INDBX. 

PAGB 

To  treat  offenders  with  meekness,  and  notify  them 
previously  to  taking  cases  to  Preparative  Meet- 


ing,   103 

Cases  of  offenders  gone  to  remote  places,  .  .  104 
Their  services  not  limited  to  their  own  Preparative 

Meeting,   104 

Committee  to  be  appointed  once  in  three  years  to 

nominate,    ........  104 


Friends  brought  forward  not  to  offer  excuse  hastily,  104 
To  ascertain  early  the  circumstances  of  failures,    .  137 

P. 

PARENTS  and  guardians  to  prevent  children  from  read- 
ing books  prejudicial  to  Christian  principles,  .  27 
To  apply  for  certificates  for  minors  removing,  .  31 
Having  approved  addresses,  on  account  of  mar- 
riage, should  not  retract  without  proper  cause,  ,  70 
To  guard  children  against  improper  connections,  .  68 
Breaches  of  our  testimony  often  owing  to  want  of 


parental  care,      .......  69 

AND  CHILDREN,   105 

Children  exhorted  to  obey  their  parents  —  to  avoid 
vain  fashions,  libertine  company,  taverns,  diver- 
sions, etc.,   ........  105 

Not  to  shrink  from  the  cross,  and  the  simplicity  of 

our  worship,       .......  106 

Parental  authority  disregarded,  disownable,  .       .  107 

Parents  indulging  children  in  excesses,  disownable,  107 

To  bring  up  children  in  habits  of  industry,    .       .  107 


Liable  to  disownment  for  conniving  at  violations  of 

the  order  of  marriage,        ....      70,  76a,  114 
PARTY  spirit  not  to  be  encouraged,     ....  139 
PEACE  on  earth,  a  great  object  of  the  Society,     .        34,  66,  138 
PEOPLE  OF  COLOR  —  testimony  against  enslaving  — 
traffic  in  —  ought  to  be  taught  principles  of  Chris- 
tian religion —  school  learning,  etc.,  .       .       .  124,125 


INDEX.  187 

PA6X 

PENALTY  or  tax  in  lieu  of  personal  service  in  war,     .  141 
PLAINNESS  of  dress,  language,  and  maniers,  incul- 
cated,   106 

Corrupt  language,  fashions  in  apparel,  furniture, 

etc.,  advised  against,  108 

Stuffs,  colors,  and  dress,  to  please  the  vain  mind  to 
be  avoided,  and  tradesmen  and  others  not  to  be 
accessory  to  their  use,        .....  108 

All  to  keep  to  the  plainness  and  simplicity  into 
which  the  Spirit  of  Truth  led  our  forefathers,  and 
still  leads  the  obedient,  109 

Testimony  to  plain  language  not  to  be  balked  be- 
fore others, ........  109 

PLAYS,  romances,  novels,  etc.,  to  be  discountenanced,       27,  62 
POLITICAL  devices  or  associations,  not  to  be  encour- 
aged,  140 

POOR  Friends  to  be  relieved,  30,  31 

To  return  to  meeting  removed  from  when  requested,  30 

This  rule  not  applied  to  wife  or  children  of  a  per- 
son not  a  member,       ......  30 

Impoverished  by  fire,  etc.,     .....  30 

Their  situation  to  be  inspected  and  relieved  by 
committee  —  their  children    educated  by  the 
Monthly  Meeting  without  expense  —  a  treasurer, 
etc.,  to  be  appointed,  ......  HQ 

PREACHING  or  praying,  any  public  show  of  dislike  of, 

disapproved,   88 

Elders  who  speak  as  ministers  to  withdraw  from 

Select  Meetings,   91 

Persons  who  give  dissatisfaction  by  preaching  to  be 

admonished,   91 

If  they  persist  in  imposing  on  Friends,  to  be  dis- 
owned,       ........  91 

PREPARATIVE  MEETINGS  — subordination,     .       .      vii,  45 

To  determine  on  the  propriety  of  referring  dis- 
putes,   20 

To  render  account  of  its  proceedings,  and  submit 
to  Monthly  Meeting,  46 


188 


index; 


PAoa 

Instituted  or  laid  down  by  Monthly  and  Quarterly 

Meetings,   45,  46,  48 

Joining  to  another  Monthly  Meeting,     ...       46,  47 
Use  and  design  —  not  to  detain  or  dtcide  on  busi- 
ness of  Monthly  Meetings  —  cases  to  be  carried 
forward  in  writing — not  to  take  cognizance  of 
proposals  of  marriage,       .....  58 
PREPARATIVE  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders— 

how  instituted,   88 

To  bring  cases  of  ministers  before  Monthly  Meet- 
ings for  consideration,   90 

To  meet  quarterly,  answer  queries,  and  appoint 
representatives,  .......  96 

Of  elders  —  how  suspended,  .....       97,  98 

PRIESTS,  hireling — their  ministry  not  to  be  encour- 
aged,   84 

Attending  marriages  performed  by  their  aid,  dis- 

ownable,   70 

PRIMITIVE  Christians  assembled  for  worship  on  the 

First-day,   42 

PRINCIPLES  and  doctrines  of  the  gospel  to  be  duly 

maintained,  .  26,  27,  36,  81,  94,  108,  116,  120,  122,  125 
PRINTING  books  denying  mediation,  atonement,  Holy 

Spirit,  &c.  27,  37 

PRINTERS  cautioned  against  printing,  selling,  or  lend- 
ing romances,  novels,  plays,  &c.        ...  27 

PROFANITY  to  be  testified  against   36 

PROPITIATORY  SACRIFICE,   37 

PUBLISHING  works  laying  waste  Christian  principles,  87 
PRIZE  GOODS,  dealing  in,  to  be  avoided,     ...  141 

a. 

QUARTERLY  MEETINGS, 

To  hear  appeals  from  Monthly  Meeting,  .  .  11,  12 
To  appoint  respondents  to  Yearly  Meeting,   .  13 


INDEX.  189 

PAGK 

To  carry  up  appeals  of  Monthly  Meetings,  .  .  15 
When  composed  of  two  Monthly  Meetings  only,  to 

refer  appeals  to  Yearly  Meeting,  ...  16 
To  record  certificates  of  ministers,  ...  29 
Subordination  to  the  Yearly  Meeting,    ...  45 

Institution  and  laying  down,  45,  46 

Power  to  institute  and  dissolve  Monthly  and  Pre- 
parative Meetings,      ......      46,  49 

To  aid  incompetent  Monthly  Meetings,  by  com- 
mittee,       ........  47 

To  be  consulted  respecting  transfer  of  Monthly  and 
Preparative  Meetings,  and  institution  of  meetings 
for  "Worship,  composed  of  parts  of  two  Monthly 
Meetings,    ........  48 

To  keep  fair  records  of  its  transactions,        .       .  49 
To  grant  copies  of  minutes  to  other  meetings,  and 

discretionally  to  individuals,       .       .       .       .       49,  50 

To  appoint  representatives  to  Yearly  Meeting,       .  60 
To  forward  accounts  of  sufferings,         ...  55 
To  appoint  committee  annually  to  propose  clerks,  65 
To  be  cautious  of  employing  drowsy  members,       .  82 
To  furnish  Yearly  Meeting  annually  with  account 
of  deceased  ministers  and  elders,  and  to  examine 
memorials,  ........  83 

To  deliberate  on  concerns  of  ministers,  and  to  grant 

endorsements  on  certificates,       .       .       .       .       91,  92 

To  aid  ministers  in  prosecuting  their  religious  visits 

when  needful,   95 

To  decide  on  the  suspension  of  Preparative  Meet- 
ings of  Elders,  •       .  99 

To  appoint  committees  on  education,      .       .       .  120 
Communications  not  regular  to  be  examined  by  com- 
mittee,       ........  155 

Of  women  Friends — their  duties,  ....  151 

Of  ministers  and  elders,  to  extend  care  to  ministers 

and  elders,  ^7,  98 

17 


190 


INDEX. 


To  decide  on  appointments  of  elders,  and  acknowl- 
edgment of  ministers,  ......  89,  90 

To  consider  the  state  of  Select  Preparative  Meet- 
ings, and  answer  the  queries,      ....  96 

To  represent  to  Monthly  Meetings  the  state  of  Pre- 
parative Meetings  of  Elders,     ....  99 
QUERIES, 

Kespecting  births  and  deaths,  to  be  answered,       ,  24 

To  be  answered  in  writing,  which,  and  by  whom,  .  Ill 

Advices  to  be  read  annually,   113,  114 

Annually  answered,       ......  115 

For  meetings  of  Ministers  and  Elders,  .       ,       ,  116 

To  be  answered  by  Women's  Meetings,  .       ,       .  150 

QUOTAS  of  the  Quarterly  Meetings,     ....  130 

R. 

EACES  —  members  going  to  them,  liable  to  disownment,  62 

RECEPTION  into  religious  membership,       .       .    9,38,  54,147 

Injurious  effects  of  haste,   39a 

Parties  to  be  clearly  convinced  of  our  principles,  .  396 

RECONCILIATION  by  Christ,   37 

RECORDS  of  births  and  deaths  to  be  kept,  .       .     24,  115,  150 

Of  certificates  granted,   29 

A  book  to  be  provided  for  recording  minutes,  and 

copies  to  be  given  at  discretion  of  meetings,      .  49,  60 

Marriage  certificates  to  be  recorded,     ...  74 

Of  trusts  and  conveyances,  &c   76c 

Fair  records  of  proceedings  of  Women's  meetings,  152 

REFERENCES.    See  Arbitrations,       .       .       .       .  17,  18 

Overseers  and  Preparative  Meetings  to  judge  of,   .  20 

REGENERATION,  the  work  of  the  spirit  of  Christ 

within,   37 

RELIGIOUS  VISITS  to  Families,   61 

Beyond  limits  of  Quarterly  Meeting,     .       •       •  91,  93 

Of  females,   150,  151 

REINSTATEMENT  into  membership,  .      .      .      .  9,  10,  147 


INDEX. 


191 


PAGE 

Of  first  cousins,   75 

REMOVALS,   9,  28,  32,  149 

Residence  to  be  changed  with  caution,  consulting 

Friends,      ........  29 

Require  certificates,   31 

To  remote  or  unknown  places,  authorizes  Monthly 

Meetings  to  disown  in  scandalous  cases,      .       .  36,  100 

Into  distant  Monthly  Meetings  requiring  care,       .  51 

REPRESENTATIVES  to  Quarterly  and  Yearly  Meetings,  50,  150 

151 

They  and  others  to  be  punctual  to  appointments  — 
to  send  reasons  for  absence  —  and  not  to  with- 
draw from  meetings  without  consent,  ...  50 
Of  Preparative  and  Quarterly  Meetings  of  Ministers 

and  Elders,   96 

To  propose  clerks  for  the  Yearly  Meeting,  .  .  152,  155 
REPORTS  to  Quarterly  and  Yearly  Meetings  to  be  made 

in  writing  and  signed  by  the  clerks,    ...  50 
RESIDENCE  in  a  Monthly  Meeting  when  certificate  is 
produced  gives  right  there,  unless  some  miscon- 
duct is  discovered,      ......  33 

RESURRECTION  OF  CHRIST,   123 

RESPONDENTS  to  appellants  appointed,     ...  11,  13 

RETIREMENT,  advantage  of,   38,  42 

REVELATION  of  the  Holy  Spirit,        .       .       .       .  27,  36 

RICHES,  nor  greatness  in  this  world,  fits  for  govern- 
ment in  the  church,     ......  57 

Inordinate  love  and  pursuit  of,  counselled  against,  132,  137 

RIGHTS  of  children,   54,  72 

ROMANCES,  plays,  &c.,  discountenanced,   ...  27 

S. 

SABBATH  — the  First-day  of  the  week  neither  the 
antitype  of  the  Jewish,  nor  is  it  the  Christian 
Sabbath,  41, 42 


192 


INDEX. 


PAQB 

SANCTIFICATION  by  the  work  of  Christ  in  the  heart,  37 
SCANDAL  to  be  removed,  by  acknowledging  the  of- 
fences, and  condemning  the  same  in  writing,      ,  35 
SCHOOLS  —  Queries  respecting,  how  answered,    .       .  115 
Directions  for  the  institution  of,     .       .       .       ,  118 
Teachers  of  our  own  persuasion  to  be  provided,    .     118,  119 
Instruction  in  the  principles  of  the  Christian  reli- 
gion— daily  reading  of  the  Scriptures,  and  attend- 
ance of  mid-week  meetings  directed,         .       ,  120 
Liberality  among  Friends  in  the  respective  meet- 
ings, earnestly  recommended,     ....  121 
People  of  color  to  be  instructed  in  school  learning,  125 
SCRIPTURES  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,    .       .  122 
Authenticity  and  inspiration  of,     .       .       ,         27,  36,  123 
Books  tending  to  raise  prejudice  against  them,  to 

be  avoided,   27,  37 

Ministers  to  read  them  frequently,  seeking  the 

mind  of  Truth,   86 

Misapplying  or  drawing  wrong  inferences  cause  of 

admonition,   87,  94 


To  be  daily  read  in  schools,   120 

Children  and  families  to  read  them  diligently — they 
set  forth  the  miraculous  conception,  birth,  holy 

life,  meritorious  death,  &c.,  of  our  Lord,    .       .  122 
Not  to  be  subjected  to  reason,  but  understood  by 

the  aid  of  the  Holy  Spirit,   123 

Anything  done  contrary  to  them,  a  delusion,         .  124 
Their  testimony  of  the  Three  which  bear  record  in 

heaven,   124 

Scripture  names  of  days  and  months  to  be  kept  to,  40 
SECURITIES  for  mutual  accommodation  disapproved,  136 
SELLING  or  spreading  books  denying  the  divinity,  me- 
diation, atonement,  &c.       .....  27,  37 

SEPARATION  —  attempts  to  produce  it,  disownable,    .  65 
SEPARATISTS  —  attending  their  meetings,  marriages, 

or  signing  certificates,  disownable,      .       .       .  764 

Descendants  of  how  treated,   59  (^6 

SHADOWS  and  Figures  ended,  '  41  ' 


INDEX. 


103 


PAGB 

SILENT  waiting  for  the  renewal  of  strength,  and  for 

the  performance  of  Divine  worship,    ...       38,  80 
SLAVE  Trade  and  Slavery,  testimony  against,     .       .  124 
Instruction  of  the  people  of  color,         ...  125 
Friends  not  to  act  as  executors  where  slaves  are  be- 
queathed,   125 

Trading  in,  or  holding  mankind  in  slavery,  disown- 

able,   125 

Meeting  for  Sufferings  to  advance  the  testimony,  ,  126 
The  hiring  slaves  for  the  benefit  of  owner,  disown- 

able,   126 

SPIRIT  OF  TRUTH  to  be  sought  unto,  to  qualify  for 

worship,  and  to  open  mysteries,  ...        80,  86,  123 
Still  leads  the  faithful  as  it  did  our  forefathers,     ,  109 
Children  to  be  educated  in  the  belief  of  its  opera- 
tion on  the  mind,        ......  123 

Leads  out  of  bondage  to  the  spirit  of  the  world,   .  131 
Its  restrictions  to  be  attended  to  in  trade  and  busi- 
ness,   137 

SPIRITUOUS  LIQUORS, 

Advice  against  dram-drinking  —  giving  it  at  ven- 
dues, disownable,   127 

Ruinous  effects  of  trading  in  it  —  advice  against 

giving  it  as  drink,  127,  128 

Distilling  or  trading  in  the  article,  disownable,  ,  129 
Danger  of  frequenting  taverns,      ....  130 

STOCK,   129 

SUBORDINATION  of  Meetings,    ....       -vii,  45,  47 
SUBSCRIPTIONS  not  to  be  taken  from  insolvent  mem- 
bers,   134 

SUING  members  at  law  contrary  to  the  Discipline,  ex- 
cept under  peculiar  circuinstances,     ...  64 

SUFFERINGS,  mode  of  stating,  55,  80 

Monthly  and  Quarterly  Meetings  to  forward  ac- 
counts annually,  ,       ,  55 

17* 


194 


INDEX. 


SWEARING,  lying,  cursing,  and  other  wicked  practices, 

testified  against,   35 

SORCERY,   54 

T. 

TALE-BEARING  AND  DETRACTION  to  be  suppressed,  43 
Offenders  herein  to  be  admonished,  and,  if  not  re- 
claimed, disowned,      ......  44 

Required  to  give  their  authority,  or  treated  as  orig- 
inators of  reports,   44 

TAVERNS,  caution  against  frequenting  them,      .       .    106,  130 
Danger  of  ardent  spirits  —  advised  not  to  keep  tav- 
erns—  to  exert  their  influence  against  unneces- 
sary increase,      .       .       .       .       .       .       .  131 

TAXES  for  military  purposes  not  to  be  paid,        .     140,  141,  142 

TEMPERANCE  and  Moderation,   100 

TESTIMONIES  of  Denial  not  to  be  read  in  Meetings  for 

Worship,   10 

To  be  delivered  early  as  convenient,  with  informa- 
tion of  the  right  to  appeal,         ....       10,  53 

TEXT  —  misapplying  or  drawing  unsound  inferences,  .       87,  94 
THREE  that  bear  record  in  heaven,      ....  124 

TIMES,  observance  of,  testified  against,       ...  40 
TITLES  of  real  estate  to  be  inspected,  and  trusts 

timely  renewed   .......  766 

Records  of  trusts  and  conveyances  to  be  kept,  and 

where  papers  are  deposited,        ....  76c 

TRADE  —  Counsel  against  inordinate  pursuit  of  wealth, 
entering  on  business  not  understood,  or  going 

beyond  ability   132 

Hazardous  enterprises  to  be  avoided,  .  .  .  132 
Persons  in  danger  of  failing  to  be  treated  with  and 

advised  to  convene  their  creditors,     .       .       .    133,  135 
To  inspect  their  atFairs  frequently  and  keep  their 

accounts  clear,   133 

To  avoid  partial  payments — assignees  to  be  in- 
quired of,   134 


INDEX. 


195 


PAGB 

Subscriptions  not  to  be  taken  from  insolvent  mem- 
bers,   134 

Persons  refusing  to  pay  former  debts  after  retriev- 
ing their  circumstances,  disownable,  .       .       .   134,  185 
Assignment  to  be  made  at  request  of  creditors,      .  135 
Accommodation  paper  and  joint  securities  disap- 
proved,      ........  136 

Divine  counsel  to  be  sought  in  all  engagements,     .  137 

Overseers  to  ascertain  early  the  cause  of  failure   .  137 
Failures  to  be  testified  against,       ....    137,  138 

Assignments  without  restriction  —  creditors  to  have 

liberty  to  appoint  assignees,       ....  138 

Or  business,  promotive  of  war,  to  be  avoided,       .  141 

See  sixth  and  seventh  Queries,       ....  113 

TRADITION,  or  mere  outward  education,  do  not  pre- 
pare for  succession  in  the  church,       ...  56 

TREASURER  of  Monthly  Meetings   110 

TREATING  with  offenders,  .  .  .  vi,  51,  52,  53,  146,  148 
TRUSTEES  permitted  to  proceed  at  law,      ...      19,  20 

To  be  punctual  and  faithful  to  trusts,     ...  61 

Or  assignees,  to  be  active  in  discharging  duties,    .  135 

TUMULTS,  promoters  of,  to  be  disowned,     ...  36 

U. 

UNITY  of  Faith  and  practice,   ▼ 

AND  LOVE,  attempts  to  destroy  it,  testified  against,  .  65 

Appearance  of  variance  to  be  removed,         .       .  66 

Parties  being  irreclaimable  to  be  disowned,   .       .  66 

V. 

VENDUES,  giving  or  taking  ardent  spirits  at  them  dis- 
ownable,    ........  127 

VESSELS,  arming  or  shipping  in  armed  vessels,  testi- 
fied against,   141 

VISITING  on  First-day  disapproved   43 


196 


INDEX. 


PAGB 

VISITS  to  families  encouraged,   61 

To  receive  sanction  where  the  Friend  belongs  and 
where  the  visit  is  made :  —  This  applies  also  to 
those  coming  from  other  Yearly  Meetings,  .  ,  62 
Religious,  out  of  the  Quarterly  Meeting,  to  be  laid 
before  Monthly  and  Quarterly  Meeting  and  Yearly 
Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders,  as  the  case  re- 
quires,     .       .  91-95,  150 

To'  engage  consideration  before  the  certificate  is 


read,   92 

The  certificate  to  be  returned  promptly,  &c., .  .  92 
Ministers  exhorted  to   diligence   and  religious 

weight   94 

Expenses,  where  needful,  to  be  provided  for,        .  95 


W. 

WAGERINGr,  disownable  oflFence,  .....  62 

WAITING  in  silence,     .       .       .       .       .       .       .  38,80 

WAR  —  Friends  exhorted  to  maintain  a  testimony 

against  it,   139^  I43 

Overplus  of  distraints  not  received,  unless  in  the 

same  goods,   140 

Furnishing  wagons,  or  other  conveyances  for  mili- 
tary stores,  ........  140 

Tax  for  purchasing  drums,  &c.,  and  for  military  re- 
quisitions,   .       ...       ,       .       .       .  140 

Viewing  military  operations,  or  joining  political  as- 
sociations, advised  against,         .       .       .       .  140 

Trade,  promotive  of  war  —  Prize  goods,  shipping  in 
armed  vessels,  grinding  grain,  feeding  cattle,  and 
selling  property  for  the  use  of  the  army,    .       ,     113,  141 

Dealing  in  Public  Certificates .       .       .       .       .  142 

Militia  fines,  though  applied  to  civil  purposes,  not 

to  be  paid,   142 

WILLS,  to  be  faithfully  executed,         ....  61 

To  be  made,  and  aflFairs  settled  in  health,      .      .114,  144 


INDEX. 


197 


PAGB 

Persons  skilled  in  the  law  to  be  employed,  .  .  144 
Executors  and  Administrators  to  make  a  complete 

Inventory  early  after  interment,  .  .  .  144 
WOMEN'S  MEETINGS  — institution  and  duties  of,  .  145 
Monthly,  to  take  care  of  their  poor  and  cognizance 

of  proposals  of  marriage,  .....  145 
To  appoint  Overseers,  treat  with  oflFenders,  and 

deliver  testimonies,     ......  146 

To  transmit  by  minute,  oflFences  of  persons  removed  • 

to  distant  Monthly  Meetings,       ...  61,  146 

Admission  and  reinstatement  into  membership,  ,  147 
Acknowledgment  for  offences  while  under  care,  .  148 
Authority  to  receive  or, disown  a  member  vested  in 

the  Men's  Meeting,   149 

Issuing  and  receiving  certificates,  ....  29,  149 
Religious  concerns  of  women  to  be  laid  before  both 

meetings,  the  certificate  signed  by  the  clerks  and 


correspondent,   92,  150,  151 

To  unite  with  men  in  nomination  of  an  Elder,       .  89 
Preparative  —  to  answer  Queries,  where  more  than 

one  constitutes  a  Monthly  Meeting,     .       .       .  150 
Monthly  Meetings,  also,  to  answer  the  first  eight 
Queries,  and  appoint  representatives  to  the  Quar- 
ter, and  to  give  information  of  births  and  deaths,  150 
Quarterly  Meetings  to  consider  religious  concerns — 
to  transmit  replies  to  Women's  Yearly  Meeting  — 
appoint  representatives  to  it  —  communicate  Ad- 
vices or  Epistles  from  the  Yearly  Meeting  to  the 
Monthly  Meetings  —  to  nominate  committees  to 
visit  them,  &c.,    .......  151 

Yearly  Meeting  to  correspond  with  those  of  their 


own  sex,     ........  152 

Not  to  hear  appeals  nor  to  make  rules :  — to  have  a 

stock,   152 

Representatives  to  select  a  clerk,    ....  152 


At  the  request  of  men,  their  Monthly,  Quarterly, 
and  Yearly  Meetings  to  appoint  committees  for 
Betting  up  or  laying  down  meetings.   .       .       ,  152 


198 


INDEX. 


P1.0S 

WORSHIP,  of  those  not  in  communion  with  us,    .       .  22 

Formal,  testified  against,   40,  41 

Meetings  for  worship  discontinued,  ...  46 
Mode  of  setting  up  Meetings  composed  of  parts  of 

two  Monthly  Meetings,   48 

All  worship  performed  by  the  aid  of  the  Holy 

Spirit,  >  .  82,  84 

All  meetings  to  be  held  in  the  authority  of  Truth,  80 

Sleeping  and  other  unbecoming  deportment,  .  .  80 
Exhortation  to  Christian  zeal,  for  the  performance 

of,  and  diligent  silent  waiting,    ....  80 

Children  and  apprentices  to  be  brought,        ,       ,  81 

Care  toward  those  who  are  negligent,     .       ,       •  81 

Drowsy. members  not  to  be  employed,     ...  82 

A  care  maintained  to  guard  against  disorder,        ,  88 

Persons  disturbing  by  undertaking  to  preacn,       .  91 

Y. 

YEARLY  MEETING,  to  control  proceedings  of  inferior 

meetings,   45 

No  Quarterly  Meeting  set  up  without  its  consent,  45 
To  dissolve  Quarterly  Meetings,  and  attach  the 

Monthly  Meetings  to  another  Quarter,        .       .  46 

History  of  its  origin,      .       .       .       .       .       .  153 

Committee  on  Epistles,    ......  154 

Letters  and  papers,  not  from  meetings  with  which 

it  regularly  corresponds,  examined  by  committee,  154 

Representatives  to  propose  clerks,  ....  155 

The  present  clerk  to  act  till  a  new  appointment,     .  155 
In  case  he  is  likely  to  be  prevented,  the  Meeting 

for  Sufferings  to  take  charge  of  the  papers,       .  155 
Extracts  of  Minutes  to  be  sent  to  all  meetings  for 

Discipline,   ........  155 

Certificates  of  Ministers  to  be  read  in  Yearly  Meet- 
ing,    .........  156 

To  provide  for  expenses  of  Ministers  when  neces- 
sary,   95 


INDEX.  199 

PAGS 

Of  Ministers  and  Elders,  to  read  replies  to  Queries, 
and  to  issue  advice,  or  extend  care  to  subordinate 

meetings,     ........  96,  97 

Its  adjournments  not  to  interfere  with  Yearly  Meet- 
ing for  Discipline,       ......  97 

Of  Women  Friends  —  duties,  .....  152 
YOUTH  —  Ability  to  example  them  in  the  concerns  of 

the  church,  ........  56 

Care  requisite,  not  to  bring  them  into  premature 

action,         ........  56 

Judicious  care  on  account  of  marriage,  .       .       .  68,  69 

Exposure  in  coming  to  cities,         ....  138 

See  PARENTS  and  CHILDREN   105 


<irt  2,1. 


Date  Due  1 

1 

